“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16 (NIV).

In twenty-twenty-three, I printed this verse and posted it beside my computer. Over the last twelve months, I have travelled many unfamiliar paths. After years of writing, re-writing and editing, my book finally became a reality. Additionally, I developed my website and began my journey as a blogger. Reduced to two sentences, that doesn’t seem very significant considering there are 8,760 hours in a year, but it wasn’t a straightforward trajectory and involved a huge learning curve. There were no marshmallows that collapsed as I climbed over them. The rocks on my path seemed to anticipate my route and called their friends to join the party as I approached. If you are reading this, you have probably been on at least part of that journey, and I thank you for that.

What stands out to me in retrospect is the faithfulness of God through it all. Although I felt like a blind person trying to navigate worlds I knew little to nothing about, God did not forsake me. He brought people into my life at the right times to help when I had reached the end of my limited resources. I am grateful to him for his care and to the people who have generously given their time, expertise, and wisdom to assist me. Thank you to each one who has played a part in helping me reach this point.

Today marks a fresh beginning, with new, unfamiliar paths ahead of us. We can approach this milestone with fear, trepidation, or both, or we can trust that the One who led us along unfamiliar paths in the past still wears his trekking boots.

As the photos above indicate, the rough path often leads to beautiful places we would never discover if we bailed on the journey. The little ones would happily have bailed on our adventure that day because it seemed too difficult. Sometimes, we feel like young children walking a trail that is too challenging for us. I know I do, and this past year, I did, but it was worth seeing the project through to completion.

I look forward to the year ahead, but not because I love the unknown. It’s because I anticipate seeing the greatness and love of God evidenced again in my life and circumstances. Undoubtedly, the future holds some challenges and rough patches, but I know I can trust my loving Heavenly Father. Can you think of a more secure place to rest on the precipice of a new year?

My friends, may the year ahead, no matter what it holds for you, be one in which you experience the deep love of Christ. 

^“and I pray that Christ will make his home in your hearts through faith. I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love, so that you, together with all God’s people, may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ’s love.” Ephesians 3:17–18 (GNT).

If  you missed my previous lighter post and need a chuckle today, click this link:

The Village That Santa Forgot