so yesterday I was 25, today I am 26. i have officially advanced a year in age.
my, what an interesting year of 25. definitely been the most challenged, experienced the most growth, undergone the most change, and have been forced to trust the Lord more than i ever have before. not only am i a year older, i've also closed a chapter in my life. a pretty significant one. a chapter in which it took 25 years of my life to mold and form me into what will soon be a wife. it took 25 years of my life, to break me into someone who is "ready" for marriage, ready for the next step - someone who will fight for purity, fight for vulnerability instead of against it, and fight for love.
someone who i never thought i'd be.
so now i advance to a new year and a brand new chapter. with even MORE to change me, and grow me, and break me, and cause me to trust....Wow.
this was read to me tonight, and it bears repeating -
Oh Lord,
Length of day does not profit me
except the days that are passed in thy presence,
in thy service, to thy glory.
Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart from thee,
but may rely on thy spirit to supply every thought,
speak in every word,
direct every step,
prosper every work,
build up every mote of faith,
and give me a desire to show forth thy praise;
testify thy love,
advance thy kingdom.
I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,
with thee, O Father, as my harbour,
thee, O Son, at my helm,
thee, O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.
Guide me to heaven with my lamp burning,
my ear open to thy calls,
my heart full of love,
my soul free.
Give me thy grace to sanctify me,
thy comforts to cheer,
thy wisdom to teach,
thy right hand to guide,
thy counsel to instruct,
thy law to judge,
thy presence to stabilize.
May thy fear be my awe, and thy triumphs be my joy.
- Valley of Vision, New Year.
here's to a new year, a new chapter, a new life.