A New Year and Being a Sheep

This seems surreal, really.

It’s been so long since I’ve written a blog post, I feel as if I’m starting all over again!  The house is momentarily all quiet as my youngest son and I sit here by the blazing woodstove with laptops on our lap.  He’s busy trying to “beat” some game of his brother’s, and I decided it was time to have a little chat with you!

Christmas went by in a blur.  On the one hand, it was delightfully relaxing.  On the other, it seemed to arrive a bit earlier than I was ready for!  But, I did get the greatest gift ~

boys under the tree

Our three boys were all here to celebrate the holiday season with us.  As they grow older and move to different locations, I know this may not always be the case.  So, for now, I’m  grateful.

Tomorrow the two oldest ones head back to college and work, and the house and rooms will seem much quieter and empty.  Tonight we’ll share a little birthday cake for a pre-birthday celebration for our oldest.

And, so, a new year begins.

I’ve been pondering that a lot lately.  My friend Kim picks a “theme” for each year.  I love that idea.  I’ve done it a time or two myself and really wanted to again this year.

But, alas, my mind just can’t seem to land on some witty word or turn of phrase to summarize what I want to focus on in the next 365 days.  Although the idea of goals and dreams are also appealing to me, I just don’t know where to head in that direction, either.

Honestly, there are many unknowns in my life right now.  I don’t know how much longer I’ll be cooking in the camp kitchen.  I also don’t know the future of this little blog either.  It’s a bit difficult to write home decor and craft project posts when I don’t even spend much time at home these days!!

But, my mind and heart has come to rest on Psalm 23.

The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.”

Hallelujah, for that.  My uncle was a sheepherder for many years.  He described how very important the shepherd’s role is in the life of sheep.  “They are just so dumb!”, he would exclaim.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
  he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                         {picture taken at Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC}

How comforting it is to know that my heavenly Father is lovingly leading and guiding my life today and in the days ahead….and as those days are busy and exhausting, He will also provide moments of green pastures and quiet waters.

Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me
.”

I don’t suppose I’d describe this season of my life as the “darkest valley”, but as I was cooking for 130 people for the first time a few days ago, I’d certainly describe it as “over my head” and “slightly terrifying”!!:)  It’s at times like those that I realize how great it is to put my trust in Someone who is strong enough to handle what I, in myself, cannot.

I  long to go where He wants me to go, and do what He wants me to do.

I often make the concept of “following Jesus” so complicated and mysterious.

But, really, it can be simple, can’t it?

I want to walk in the path He has for me.

And He says He’ll be the leader and travel guide.

Hmm…maybe I have a theme after all…

“Step by Step”.

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One Comment

  1. Rita Joy,

    Hello, my dear! I know, I know I’ve gone missing for quite some time… however I felt compelled to let you know that I am still here. I quietly read your blog and pray for you… in fact hardly a day goes by where I don’t think about you. The past 18 months have been hard on me… getting harder the farther along it went and then it hit me. Even though I was struggling I wasn’t alone.. even though my voice had become silent I was still being heard. I have a Lord and Savior that holds my hand, who guides my every foot steps, who carries me when I am weak. And I have loving friends and family, brothers and sisters in Christ… I just wanted to let you know what a blessing you are to me. Thank you! You are truly an encouragement and I thank God daily for sending people into my life, for speaking truth into my heart, so using them in ways they can never know. Thank you, friend!

    Peggy

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