And I will praise You when the mountain's in my way
You're the summit where my feet are
So I will praise You in the valleys all the same
No less God within the shadows
No less faithful when the night leads me astray
You're the heaven where my heart is
In the highlands and the heartache all the same
My birthday came and went quietly. Just a day.
I'm 55.
I look back and ahead. So many thoughts. Laughter, tears, loss, joy beyond description. There are people I have lost. I think of them often. Most, if not all, were not ready to leave. I don't mean they were in some spiritual peril. I just think they would have stayed given the choice. As I would. But today, like perhaps never before in our lifetime, we are all on the edge of sickness and maybe death. Some have crossed over. I wonder if they wanted to stay. Probably.
Someone that I love told me a few years back that I can't save everyone. That I need to stop trying. I know he meant to save me the trouble or the energy or something. So I shrunk back a little. But I actually believe I can save some people. Not their souls. Or even their lives. But maybe it saves me. Maybe it's all about the trying. So, I am declaring, I want to dream again of lifting you up. Whoever you are. I want to pour the rest of me out. 55 is a moment . I am just getting started.
So let's put aside fear and hatred and opposition. When we pass, what do we want said about us? Or better, what do we want said now? I hope that it will be said that I loved fiercely and maybe too much. That I loved to laugh and eat and shine. That I showed up.
God promised in Isaiah that he would not snuff out a flickering flame. I have held on to the wick with all my strength . And He has been faithful. My little light still burns and shines.
I love you all . Let's not let these days go to waste . People have gone before they wanted to go. More will. Those of us that are able to stay, let's live. I intend to. No fear. Or maybe in great fear. Either way, I'm running to the battle. Or the party. Or wherever I am needed. This is our time. Let's do great things.
God bless us.
