quietly into the distance

and there is a space and time to slow down

to reflect

to be still and know

that which i already know

but which, in the rush

of the ordered out activities of the day

of the foolishness of harsh words with someone i love

or simply the pressure of trying to create a space to be this still

is quickly and so easily pushed to the side

to once again be reminded of the Love of a Saviour

of the faithfulness of a Loving Father

of the active Presence of a Holy Spirit

of the Truth of what I know and believe to be true

As the world does its best to go crazy outside

There is a certain comfort in just being

And knowing

And remembrance-ing

And reading

And listening

And praying

both together and alone

in helping create a space

and carving out a space of time

in helping others gain focus

and taking time to refocus

in turning down the lights

and lighting up the candles

in praying with a friend

and together praying for a friend

and receiving prayer from a friend

and so i read, ‘if there is any encouragement in Christ…’

IF there is..?

There is EVERY encouragement in Christ!

It is Christ in me, that is the hope of glory

The only hope I have

Not by works

Certainly not by anything i have done, or achieved

To somehow try to keep me humble

To remind me that i have no boast here

No brag that won’t immediately get me laughed out the room

It is all Him

He must always become greater

As i become less

And take steps backward

So that all focus is on Him

As i remain quietly

Hidden in the shadow of the cross…

and see myself once again in Him

and am offered the opportunity of a new year

not simply another year

a new one

the chance to start fresh

to clean up

to clear out

to throw off everything that hinders

the sin that so easily entangles

and to run once more with perseverance

the race marked out for me

to return to my first love

and see my lukewarm move to hot

to be salt and light and the fragrance of Him

to all those who wander across my path

what about you?

will you head into a new year with me?

Not another year.

you really don’t want to settle for less

when He has told you, you are worth so much more

hold my hand, walk with me

it won’t be easy, i don’t imagine

but it will be everything of good

why would anyone be happy with less?

you coming? i think it’s time…