Welcome to Another Year!
Hello, dear friends, I know it’s been a while since you’ve heard from me. Life has a way of getting away with me, and my mind often runs in so many directions that it’s hard to find time to slow down and focus on what God is speaking and what He wants me to write. Thoughts float around in my head, but a good writer does not just write down random thoughts, although I do this at times. A serious message takes thought and prayer. It takes study to know that I am not just writing platitudes, but that my posts truly have scriptural backing.
I’ve mentioned to several friends lately that I wanted to take some time off this month since December was so busy. Starting the year off sick is not what I had in mind. As sickness goes, I do not have it as bad as some. I had a really bad sore throat for several days, and I have an annoying cough that will only be warded off by drinking constantly (tea of course). As one who does not drink nearly as much as I should, I suppose this is one of the benefits of this malady. When I start coughing, it will only be soothed by drinking kombucha, which I am endeavoring to stay stocked up on. (Thankfully, I do not mind the stuff.) Today, I was also tired but I praise the Lord for the blessing of working from home so that I can rest when I need to. I’m not completely taking time off, as I am proofreading my brother’s latest writing project which he hopes to send off to his publisher soon, but I’m trusting God to give me the strength to finish that. Then I will rest. 🙂
Southern Gospel fans may have heard by now of the death of songwriter Kyla Rowland. I was listening to a Facebook Live that Les Butler did the other evening in her honor, and I was touched by some of the testimonies that were shared. I don’t remember if it was Les or one of his guests who mentioned that true prayer warriors are hard to find these days. He was referring to the fact that Kyla knew how to pray … and did so.
Every time someone goes ahead to Heaven, I wonder who is going to fill their shoes. Whether a songwriter, pastor, DJ, singer, housewife, construction worker … someone famous or relatively unknown … almost everyone leaves a void when they are no longer here. I’m sure there are cases where someone spends their whole life wasting it and no one really notices when they’re gone, but I like to think that is the exception instead of the rule. The Apostle Paul referred to life as a race, and I picture it as a long relay race. When one person finally makes it over the finish line, someone comes up behind and takes the baton and continues to run. Maybe it’s a son or daughter or a protege, but no doubt it is someone who has watched and learned from the runner ahead of them, following from a distance, but now catching up with increasing speed as they draw nearer to the prize themselves. Occasionally, though, I wonder if the person who was supposed to be next in line got tired and quit. Maybe running was too hard and so he sat down and made himself comfortable. Maybe she decided that, since the finish line was nowhere in sight, the race was futile so she turned around and went home. I trust that God is continuing to raise up men and women who will carry the torch, being a light to those around them, faithful in whatever areas He has entrusted them.
I, for one, don’t want to quit. I want to keep pressing on, growing in the areas in which I’m weak while never letting go of my Savior’s hand. I want to take advantage of quiet moments to hear His still, small voice. I plan to keep encouraging others to do the same. Pray for me if God ever brings me to your mind and, if I can pray for you, please let me know.
Have a blessed 2022. May our Father find us all faithfully watching and ready when He calls us Home.
Thanks for the update.
God Bless you and your family Sony! Be sure —that I’m running the race right along side you in great Hope. Please pray for me also. I wish all of you steadfast mercy, favor and furthering complete restoration in 2022.
Thank you, Hilary. You will be in my prayers.