through a glass

there is beauty in the blur

when you can both see

and not see

yet colour and light

still have their way

we are drawing close to the One 

Who knows our next steps

cherishing every moment of glory 

He chooses to share with us

along this foggy path

For now we see but a faint reflection 

of riddles and mysteries 

as though reflected in a mirror, 

but one day we will see face-to-face.

My  understanding is incomplete now, 

but one day I will understand everything, 

just as everything about me has been fully understood. 

1 Corinthians 13:12 The Passion Translation

The in-betweens

Snow has left the world outside my window clean, fresh and silent.

The flakes fall so fast and fierce it is hard to see.

As I opened my journal, 

the Lord reminded me to trust His lead

not my own vision.

When you feel you are going in circles, trust that I Am leading you.

Even those places you return to again and again are seen in a different way each time 

for I have changed you in the "in-betweens".

I have a plan and a purpose for all things.

Why should you think this would not include all parts of your life?

Circles, lines, uphill or down --

Listen, follow My lead.

Seeking the secret place with Cheryl

 

and the silence of stillness with Sandy

 

All about Him

I mentioned envy earlier this week while I was promoting the posts of the Compassion Bloggers. I hate to admit it but I tend to turn an ugly shade of green when others go off to do big things for God, even more so when those things involve Africa.  Our time there was brief, but long enough to leave a lifelong hunger to return.

I am in a continual process of surrender
shaving off bits and pieces of my self
offering them to be consumed,
saved for later, or cast aside
Use whatever You can
I murmur to my Lord
Leave what You don't need
lying by the side of the road
but take the rest of me
I am willing to be willing

With confidence I pray
I will go anywhere
I will do anything
for I belong to You
knowing it is not my strength
but Yours
so I am both reconciled and bold

but...

as days, weeks, months and years
pile one upon the other
fear wiggles in
a familiar enough voice
sounding very much like my own says
What if He has no use for you at all?

it sends a shiver through my spirit
for yes, I want my life to count for something

In my trembling and confession
I hear a voice more solid
even as He whispers
It isn't about your life
When you go, and go you will,
it will be all about Me

and I reminded once again to die...

Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
 Colossians 3:3-4 The Message




Sharing with Emily and those who fall short of perfection but walk on in grace...