For Years Are Fleeting Fast

“I could not do without Thee!
     For years are fleeting fast,
And soon in solemn loneliness,
     The river must be passed.”
                            ~Frances Ridley Havergal

As I celebrated the beginning of 2013, I never dreamed its end would find me where I am today.  I'm not exactly sure where I expected to be; but there are certainly things I expected to change, that have remained the same, and things I expected to remain that have changed. 

Some friends and I were excitedly planning a trip to Europe at this time last year.  It never came to pass; but I was able to pay my grandparents in Arizona a very memorable visit instead.  This may have been the last time I could do that.  They may be gone next year--or I may be gone.

I thought I'd still live in that cozy little house on Hickory Street with my musical roommate.  But this year finds her back in her hometown, and me in my uncle's house.

I began this year adamantly opposed to having a smartphone.  They were fine for everyone else; but I wanted none of it.  Yet here I am typing this post on my Android.  ha!

I can say without any doubt that 2013 has been the hardest, yet the most wonderful, year of my life.  The last several months have seemed like one long trial; yet my Lord has never felt so near.  He has tested my faith and I've found Him true.  In the darkest nights I've heard His voice of comfort and guidance. 

I wouldn't have chosen some of the events of 2013.  But looking back now, I wouldn't have it any other way.  My Shepherd knows the best path for my feet!

What will 2014 bring?  Only the Lord knows.  But this I do know: its end will find me one year closer to crossing the final river--if I haven't already crossed it.

“For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord,
And He watches all his paths.”
~Proverbs 5:21