“Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not
all sleep, but we will all be changed,” I Cor. 15:51
In these early
days of 2017 I am thankful to God my journey has not ended yet. With the approach of a New Year there is a sense of mystery. Don’t
you think? That’s how I see it. It is the mystery of the unfolding of another
chapter of my life story as I journey on. So far the sun has risen for me each
morning.
Every year is also
a mystery of God’s unfolding story in me as one of His kids. I have no idea of
what is ahead but God is there. I thank Him for the gift of mystery! I thank
Him for a faith that gives me strength to carry on in this life.
In looking back on
2016 and other past years there is sense of poignancy in my heart. I remember
loved ones and friends to whom I said fare thee well. Their journeys ended yet
their memories are sweet and enduring. They are ones who now “sleep.” The sun
has set for them yet they are with the risen Son!
I like to walk. I
like to walk with one foot after the other. Perhaps I’m too cautious at times.
I have, however, been known to take risks in life. The challenge is for me not
to get ahead of God and mess things up. From experience I know that can hurt. I
have to let God be God and realize mystery may be good for me!
A few days ago I went
for a walk on the dike a couple minutes from home with Terry (my wife) and our
dog Charlie. It was late in the afternoon but still light enough for a walk. It
was chilly and such a beautiful afternoon. We walked with Charlie and took
pictures of each other. As we were heading home Charlie and I walked a little
bit ahead of Terry. She took a photo of Charlie and me. When I saw it later it
spoke to me as walking into the setting winter sun. It was the inspiration for
this post.
Walks on the dike
often inspire me. Rain or shine the scenery surrounding the dike speaks to me.
I listen to God in the quiet majesty of His creation. I thank Him for such an
intimate relationship with the beauty around me. Such beauty helps me to be
patient as I walk into the mystery of what lies ahead.
There are things
in the shadow of God’s mystery for me to behold, look forward to and trust. For
instance, I look forward in 2017 to knowing what it feels like to have some of
my writing published. This is exciting! It is a path I walk in the company of
my friends Glynis, Ruth, Carolyn, Barb, Donna and Amanda! They have walked such
a path before. It is uncharted territory for me! It is still a mystery.
One day I will walk
into my setting sun. Slowly but surely light will give way to darkness and I still
will hope. I will be changed! I will know what the mystery means. I will look
upon the risen Son!
Such a lovely post, Alan. (And an equally lovely picture, Terry!)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement Tracy. Rather than turb to other people's photos Terry and I have started taking our own for blog posts etc. I hope you and your family are well these days my friend!
DeleteIt's no mystery that you have an amazing, encouraging way with words, Alan! Such peace and gratitude in your words and what a beautiful photo Terry nailed. Well done, both of you! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Glynis! You are always so encouraging. I find these days with so much negativity in society and social media etc. it is good for our souls to reflect on my life. Terry and I enjoy our walks together. Charlie makes them even more fun. The area we live in is ripe with inspiration for my writer's soul. Our walks also give us opportunity to take a lot of photos. Terry shot the one in the post just right! Take care my lovely friend!
DeleteI will surely look at each new year in a different light. Thanks for giving new meaning the word, "mystery." Love this post!
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