In my typical slow fashion, I am still pondering and meandering through these beginning days of the new year. Thinking about plans. Thinking about goals. Thinking about direction. Thinking about the mystery of what is to come.
As I have pondered, the words of this old hymn have been part of my thoughts. I have been singing it as I dry my hair, as I do housework, as I drive.
Tho' sometimes He leads through waters deep,
Trials fall across the way,
Tho' sometimes the path seems rough and steep,
See His footprints all the way.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,
Sweetest name I know,
Fills my every longing,
Keeps me singing as I go.
~ Luther Bridges (1884-1948)
I find tremendous comfort in those words. In the idea that even if He leads through deep waters, He has been there. Even if the path is rough and steep, we can see His footprints because He is there.
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| photo by Bekah |
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| photo by Bekah |
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I have been pondering plans in this new year. I'd like to spend less time with "screens," and more time with books that have book-smell. (Do you love that smell?) I want to continue to organize, to make our house work for us. Now that I feel more at home in my kitchen, I want to get back to cooking more, trying new recipes, reviving the old ones.
But I also want to linger more. I want to linger at the dinner table while we converse and connect. I want to linger at coffee with my friends. I want to reach out to my neighbor. I want to take the time to love my people.
I want to spend my time investing in the eternal.
I want my life to be marked by loving Jesus.
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Those are my lofty goals. I realize that I am likely to take two steps forward, one step backward. Or even, if I am honest, two or three steps backward. I need His grace every day, for every step.
There are several "unknowns" on the horizon this year and I am praying the prayer that holds me in good stead: Lord, grant me grace for the day.
I know that His footprints will be there.
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I love the gentle acoustic version of the hymn . . .
Beautiful thoughts and goals. I join you in this quest.......
ReplyDeleteOh my. Beyond beautiful. I must leave now...less screen time for me, too. Much less.
ReplyDeleteThis is just what my heart needed--I'm in a valley mourning the loss of my husband of 53 years--Jesus will see me thru!
ReplyDeleteMay you find peace Carolyn. Prayers up for you and yours.
DeleteCarolyn, thank you so much for sharing your heart! I will be praying for you as you walk through this valley of mourning . . . that you may know His grace . . . ♥
DeleteWell said; wise choices, I believe...
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Love the song! Such wise thoughts here as well. I too linger and ponder my plans and goals in January and have several similar thoughts. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I did not know the background story of this hymn. So much more meaningful to me now. So, so lovely... Thank you, dear one. ♥
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post. Worthy goals for all of us . . .pressing toward the mark . . . of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Wondering what this new year holds. Love your new header.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Sharon
Praying with you for God's grace as you daily walk with Him.
ReplyDeleteLove you
Your ponderings are very thought provoking Cheryl! Less screen time is something I've been thinking about as well. What a beautiful song - it made my eyes leak! You have blessed my heart.
ReplyDeleteLove your new header and thanks for sharing your heart today. I'm going to send you something I read that fits right in with what you're thinking. Tell Bekah her pictures are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, Thank you. I lost my mom last week. I've been caring for her for over a year. Your post speaks peace to my heart. Thank you for sharing your heart so eloquently. Your heart is all about home and family and you have encouraged me so many times. I always look forward to reading your posts when they show up in my inbox. I've learned that there is no promise of tomorrow but rather "Embrace Today!" Kathy Jo (Mama Buzzard)
ReplyDeleteKathy Jo, I remember that you were caring for your mom. In a way, that probably makes the grief so raw . . . there in your home where you are surrounded by her memories and patterns of your life together in her last months. In another way, you can take comfort in the fact that you were there for her in the dearest kind of way, giving of yourself to care for her. (And how precious for your children to see self-sacrifice.) No matter what, it is always hard to say good-bye. I will be praying for you as you mourn.
DeleteThank you for your kind words. May He continue to bring peace to you! ♥
A new pineapple for your header! Thank you for the reminder of this hymn. Lovely post.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Cheryl. I agree with you on much less screen time. Many of your thoughts for this year are mine as well. And, as it's often said...we don't know what the future holds but we know who holds the future. Have a nice day!
ReplyDeleteI like your new header. And again you have me singing and pondering, too. I am enjoying extended time with my siblings and dear old Pop in Southern California and that has been good. Monday I'll see so many old friends at a Memorial service and the face to face time will be good. Blessings on your good plans in this new year. So glad we have a good Shepherd who walks with us.
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