To listen to me read this poem, click HERE.

“Clam Lights” Coulon Park, Lake Washington, Renton WA. JLCollins

I am the map, I will show you the way

Landmarks, sideroads, the places you’ll stay.

Then moving slowly, aware of the limits

Of speed that are posted; this journey stay in it.

I’ll reveal the direction, post signs that you need 

Aware of your walking, adjusting the speed.

You’ll arrive at your destination in time

But remember the pathway is one that I’m

Revealing in footfalls each stretch that you go,

The walking is yours, but the journey I know.

The format of this poem is offset with block quotes–in my head the words sounded like the voice of Jesus reminding me of something over and over again as I rolled into this New Year–

“A man plans his ways but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

There are number of changes I’m making to the way I show up online and offer what I have to share with you, dear reader (and the World at Large–it’s a very large world!) There is a new website in the works, poetry resources for Home School families being created and monthly newsletters to write. But it is a bit like trying to turn the Titanic around–it takes a l o n g time to change course (and try not to hit an iceberg!) To partially mangle Scottish poet Robert Burns, the plans of man ‘aft gang aglay.’ 

We mean well when we begin a new direction, don’t we? More often than not as Jesus-followers it is with full confidence God is behind the nudge in this new direction. But goodness, the journey takes longer than we thought! And are there detours. And slowdowns. We are going in the right direction but there is much to learn along the way if we will slow down and pay attention. 

My word for the year is LISTEN (which in a cool way is also SILENT).

And paying attention, being attentive, is an echo that I hear whispered daily when I take time to pause and notice the voice I hear.

But goodness, it’s hard to let go of our grand ideas sometimes. And they’re such good ideas. I race ahead and miss God’s voice and run out of steam.  Along the way I’m reminded that He wants to get us to where He wants us to go. Or more accurately, to BE what he wants us to BE–lovers of God, lovers of family, more like Jesus–patient listeners able to pause when we need to, and attentive listeners when God says, “this is the way walk ye in it.” (God speaks in King James English. You know that, right?) 

I am resolved this year to keep paying attention to the light and the signs and the voice, even when He whispers.

Happy New Year, friends! Let’s walk together.

PS Below is a link to more reflections in rhyme to accompany through the New Year–Nine original poems to inspire and encourage you. 

Rhymes for Reflection