January 15, 2015

Looking Back to Look Forward - Tracy Krauss

Almost as long as I can remember, I’ve kept a journal. (We used to call these ‘diaries’.) Pre-teen entries included the opening greeting: Dear Diary, and were full of mundane daily tasks or laments about a cute boy I liked. Gradually my diaries became less like lists and more introspective, full of analysis and ponderings about my hopes and dreams. When I became a Christian, my journal also became a place to record my prayers or scriptures than spoke to me.

I typically fill one journal per year. Most of these are in a box in the top of my closet. They have been useful references on occasion when trying to remember a certain event. Once in awhile I scan the pages of journals past and reflect on the questions that have now been answered; the prayers that God has honored. Sometimes it makes me smile because my fears seem so silly. Sometimes I am ashamed by my rants.

One recurring theme in the past twenty-five years or so has been my desire to write. It’s a thread that winds through the joy and the tears; in times of uncertainty and in times of praise. I look forward to what this year brings and know that next year I can look back and say, “God was there.”

10 comments:

  1. Tracy,
    I love that phrase, "God was there." Thanks for reminding us that God always walks with us, each step of the way. And sometimes He carries us too.

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  2. Journalling. It's such a simple concept. Like prayer, though, people can wrap expectations and rules around it. I like your long, steadfast walk. You have a wealth of material when the season is right. Thanks for the reminder Tracy.

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  3. I admire your faithfulness and commitment Tracey !
    I've tried off and on to keep one through the years and am giving it ago this year . It's a meeting place to share your thoughts, desires and fears.

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  4. Hi Tracy
    I think journals are my life-saver, my prayer collector, and go to friend, when others aren't there.
    Keep writing!

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  5. Tracy, you wrote my words! I actually have written a very similar post. I had to take a double take and shake my head realizing it was you and not me that wrote this (since our posts are a day apart). I too, have a box in my closet filled with journals. I won't even re-read them because they are so filled with "rants". Perhaps I will, one day, and realize that are not as rantful as I think they are :) One thing I am doing lately is reading back in my current journal, a few weeks, and seeing how God has answered prayer. I find this both humbling and encouraging at the same time.

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  6. Hi Tracy. My first writings were all hidden in journals and still journal today. I feel like it is the safest place for me to express my deepest feelings and desires. I also have a box of journals that unfold some of my own "rants." They are my healing place. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. I like reading back in my journals too and seeing how God has answered prayer, or how my perspective has changed. I wish I was as faithful as you, Tracy! Mine are few and far between.
    Pam

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  9. I too have a box of journals, which contain rants, deep thoughts and shallow misgivings, golden memories, prayers, favourite scriptures, answers to prayer, thanksgiving, and sorting out the thoughts and intents of my heart.

    To me, "The unexamined life is not worth living," as Socrates, apparently, taught. I miss my Journal when I forget to write. Thanks for this good reminder, Tracy.

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  10. I had to smile when I read your words about diaries, Tracy. I still have the locking little book diaries from ages 10 to about 20 that I filled up, usually writing about who I had a crush on. I finally switched to 3 ring binders and paper to be able to fit in all my thoughts. Now I have a journal binder and a prayer/Bible notes binder, but they seem to constantly overlap. I have been wanting to delve back into my older ones because I know I'm going to find God's hand in every year, but there were many tough years that I don't want to re-visit. But like you said, he's there, and he's here, and I want him to have the glory!

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