Happy New Year!

The best band in the world, U2, has a line in their song "New Year's Day" that says, "Nothing changes New Year's Day". In one respect it is very true. It is just another day. Nothing neccessarily changes. Another Thursday. But it can be a point of change. It is a measurement; a day of remembrance similar to a birthday. You can retrospect and consider if you are where you want to be. Where God wants you to be.

My birthday comes 1 month before New Year's Day so sometimes I feel like I'm getting a one - two punch. This year was especially tough. I turned 40 this month. I don't think 40 is very old I just thought I would be in a different place by now. I remember my parents turning 40 and they seemed like grown ups. I still have so far to go and feel I haven't made that much progress in my life challenges.

My closest friend assures me she has seen positive changes and thinks I have come far. My husband agrees. I don't really see it but I will trust them.

Two days later I received some bad news that caused me further introspection to the point of withdrawing from my friends and family for a few days. Then I heard a sermon which I refer to in the previous post. I pulled myself up by the boot straps and turn around and here is another day of introspection. Enough! I can't look within even one more moment. I am so imperfect, falling on my face day after day. I look up and see a Perfect Father who I can fall on my face in praise, thankfulness and prayer.

If this day drives you crazy, drives you to excess or drives you to self condemnation...let it drive you to your knees in prayer.

Happy Day that the Lord has made...Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Walking With God

"I'm walking with the Lord!"...."How's your walk?" These are comments you hear in Christian conversation but today as my husband and I were talking about a sermon we heard we were wondering how to respond to the sermon. My husband said "Just walk with God." I said, "Aren't we already doing that?" and then "What does that mean anyway?"

I always thought of myself and God, arm in arm, walking along with big strides and singing "Friendship, friendship, it's the perfect blendship.." All of a sudden I was taken with the notion of walking with God. Not a blending of wills, You lead, then I'll lead, then You can lead again. But allowing God to lead and following with Him in His steps.

I was also reminded of Psalm 119 that says Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. My husband and I go camping at the Kern River every year. The campground is situated between two mountain ranges and there is utter darkness every night. If we need to go to the bathroom at night you absolutely must take a flashlight. You could not see 6 inches ahead of you in that darkness.

If you found yourself on a narrow path with a cliff on either side and darkness all around. You would pay such close attention to your guide (perhaps even cling to him) and keep that light concentrated exactly where it needs to be; on each step. We are on a narrow path and have the Perfect Guide who does keep us in His perfect will. We must cling to our Guide, listen for where to place each step. Do not go off on your own. Keep His Word nearby, read it and obey it for it illuminates each step with truth.

Now walking with God seems more an intimate dance where He hears the music and He leads. I must follow with an obedient and trusting heart. Where He leads I will follow. His ways are perfect and beyond our understanding. When He places your foot let it not be moved. Don't even shift your toes! He will lead you safely until He takes you Home.