Stepping Out

And so here we stand at the brink of another new year. What is in store for us on this new path, only our Heavenly Father knows. Yes, He knows, for He has lovingly and wisely designed each and every detail, from before the beginning of time.

We do not know what lies ahead of us: this is not for us to know. It is enough to know that He will guide; He carefully reveals every bend in the path at just the right time, giving just enough light for each new step of the way. Sometimes there is no light, and thick darkness enshrouds us-- but it is then, and only then, that we come to know more fully the loving clasp of the Hand that holds... the stong embrace of the Arms that bear.

So put your hand in His, and let us step out-- not tentatively, with fear; but boldly, with the confidence of faith. For although we know not what awaits us in this new year, we do know for certain that He is there. And because of that, I know that whatever we encounter in 2009-- be it joy, sorrow, pleasure, pain, life, or death-- it will be good, for He has planned it all.

"I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
'Give me a light, that I may tread safely into the unknown.'
And he replied:
'Go out into the darkness and put your hand

into the hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and

safer than a known way.'"

--M. L. Haskins