Last January, one of my resolutions was to write at least one blog post a month...and one blog post a month I did! (I also had a resolution to learn to play a song on the guitar...but...uh...that one didn't turn out so well! My poor fingers!!!)
So...typing and sharing my thoughts, feelings, happenings, and convictions once a month is what I stuck with instead. And oh, what a healing journey it has been!
This year, however, I have new resolutions...and unfortunately, continuing my blog isn't one of them.
I've thought long and hard about how I was going to end this. What I was going to say...what I was going to leave you with.
Then, as I read L.B Cowman's Streams in the Desert devotional this morning it became clear to me. In the depths of my heart I was reminded...
reminded that it is okay to look back. To always look back...even if it hurts. Because even if the road is dark and the terrain is tough, even if the path is rocky and it winds and bends at dangerous heights... there is grace. There is sweet evidence of His faithfulness, beautiful marks of His Presence. In the tallest trees, in the darkest forests, birds are singing! Singing of His mercy...His mercy that has taken us "thus far."
Thus far.
There are still mountains to climb, paths to journey, joys to encounter, and sorrows to bear. But, praise God...He, in His great mercy...has led us "thus far!"
The shepherds of the Alps have a beautiful custom of ending the day by singing an evening farewell to one another. The air is so pure that the songs can be heard for very long distances. As the sun begins to set, they gather their flocks and begin to lead them down the mountain paths while they sing, "'Thus far has the LORD helped us.' Let us praise His name!"
May that be our cry too, dear family and friends...as we look back...
as the sun sets.... the chapters close...the night falls...and the year ends:
"Thus far has the LORD helped us!"
And as we look ahead...
to beautiful sun rises...to new chapters beginning...to the day dawning...and the new year starting:
"Let us praise His name!"
I love you...and I am so thankful for you!
Happy New Year!
