Year's End 2009

2009 was a ride. Yes, a RiDe. It was a year I will never forget. It was one of tremendous growth, of insights and blessings. It was also a year of conflict and struggle, frustration and pain. I was tried and I was stretched--at times well beyond my comfort zone. But in spite of all the challenges, more than anything else 2009 was a year of great JOY.

I will share some of my memories of the year and the lessons I learned in future entries. Tonight I simply want to close the year with a prayer from one of my favorite books of '09: Valley of Vision, a collection of Puritan prayers. It is appropriately titled Year's END

O Love beyond compare,
Thou art good when thou givest,
when thou takest away,
when the sun shines upon me,
when night gathers over me.

Thou hast loved me before the foundation of the world,
and in love didst redeem my soul;
Thou dost love me still,
in spite of my hard heart, ingratitude, distrust.

Thy goodness has been with me during another year,
leading me through a twisting wilderness,
in retreat helping me to advance,
when beaten back making sure headway.
Thy goodness will be with me in the year ahead;
I hoist sail and draw up anchor,
With thee as the blessed pilot of my future as of my past.

I bless thee that thou hast veiled my eyes to the waters ahead.
If thou hast appointed storms of tribulation,
thou wilt be with me in them;
If I have to pass through tempests of persecution and temptation,
I shall not drown;
If I am to die,
I shall see thy face the sooner;
If a painful end is to be my lot,
grant me grace that my faith fail not;
If I am to be cast aside from the service I love,
I can make no stipulation;
Only glorify thyself in me whether in comfort or trial,
as a chosen vessel meet always for thy use.

May your reflections on the year that has passed lead you to a closer understanding of His grace, His love, His faithfulness, and His presence. Happy Year End to you.

Renee

"The joy of the Lord is my strength." - Neh 8:10

(return here tomorrow for a New Year prayer)