Another year is dawning…..

A friend that I have reconnected with on Facebook reminded me of this beautiful poem/hymn, written by Frances Havergal in 1874 –

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee;
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above;
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

When I first read those lines several days ago, they really resonated with me. For truly, my heart’s desire is to have a year of progress in my relationship with my Savior, to savor His mercies and His grace and His faithfulness, and to serve him well. But recently, those words have moved from ‘resonating’ to being an imperative. We finished out 2017 with the joyful addition of Anderson Jude Conrad, who made his appearance 3 weeks early, but at a hefty 7#11oz, is healthy and perfect (so is his mom!).

Seen here with his big brother Taran and bigger brother Weston.  Welcome to the family, little one!!

We then ushered in the New Year with some potentially devastating news (no diagnosis yet, but a CAT scan that showed some very suspicious masses) in our family (my oldest sister for those of you who know us personally).   While we wait for answers, our  prayer is renewed –
Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
    Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
    Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

We don’t know what 2018 will look like. Truthfully, good news or bad, we never really do, do we? May my prayer always remain –
          Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
         On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

 

4 thoughts on “Another year is dawning…..”

  1. Thank you, Stephanie for this wonderful message.

    Congratulations on the blessed addition to your family. Prayers for your sister that the “suspicious masses” have good outcomes.

    Blessings to you and Gary as you continue the mission work that God guides you in doing.

  2. We have been through this and know exactly what it is like. We are praying for your sister and the entire family. May our Lord comfort you and give you His peace while you wait for answers.

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