It has been awhile since I put pen to paper. It seems that among the first things to be put aside in life are often the things that help keep us sane! How often we seek comfort and solace in the passing, temporal and imperfect.
Since we last spoke, I have had a few major life changes. My children are all adults with the youngest graduating high school this year. We have bought a house. I have changed careers and am enjoying my new work immensely. It is demanding and I am doing my best to address these new demands on my life both personal and professional.
I find myself praying more often. Recently I completed a study on the 'Sermon on the Mount'. A great teaching and road map for life as presented by Jesus Christ to his followers - the Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.
In the middle of his teachings on what a Citizen of Heaven is like, He taught his followers to pray. I have been doing my best to pray through this prayer each morning I get up. I would like to say that it has miraculously changed my life and outlook, but I would be lying. However, it is serving to refocus my attention on my Heavenly Father. I am relearning to depend on Him.
I am fearful. I look around at the challenges in my family - age, health, the future, etc. - and I find myself often becoming more anxious. It is during those times that I am disciplining myself to seek first the Kingdom of God - making my prayers and petitions known to Him and thanking Him for his continued presence, protection, salvation and the process of sanctification in our lives.
I am becoming more aware of my shortcomings as a person. I realize I am not the man I have wanted to be and I am not the person I often present publically. It is humbling to acknowledge that I am not a self-made man and that I do indeed need a Saviour. However, in this I am again reminded that His strength is made perfect in my weakness. This, after all, is for His glory, by His power and for Him alone.
Where will this lead me? What will next take place in my life? I am not sure. But I am trying to fasten my faith and confidence to the 'Rock which cannot move' and to continue building my life on that sure and firm foundation - Jesus Christ.
I am reminded of the words of the old chorus:
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand
May God, in his Infinite Wisdom and according to his Riches in Glory, be with us, be before us and behind. May He hold our hand and lead us safely to Heaven. May we experience the peace and love of Christ that is both immeasurable and unfailing. Amen.
