This is a year of passages in our family. Our last child will be graduating from high school and going to college, and our second daughter is getting married in just a few weeks.
Meghan, in one of her bridal portraits.
I've always been one to look forward to the "next" phases of things, but to be honest, these passages are bittersweet. It's hard not to replay the golden moments of my kids' childhoods in my memory, even as I anticipate the new beginnings that are just around the corner. I know good things are ahead, but boy, it puts a lump in my throat.
Today's Small Thing celebrates passages...... metaphorically speaking. Humor me a little:
We all have passageways - hallways and odd spaces - in our homes that we simply pass through on our way to somewhere else. I have a dimly lit hallway between the front and back halves of my house that I rarely pay attention to, and yet I use it many times a day. A landing in the stairway holds a lamp on an aspen stump from Colorado, and takes two footsteps to cross to reach the next section of stairs. A funny space outside the guest bathroom doubles as my pantry.
Take a few moments to dust/vacuum/change the lightbulb/wipe the walls in your passage areas today. And as you do, think about the passages taking place in your own life. Though they may be painful or bittersweet to go through, they are part of the journey God has you on. He is faithfully leading you from one place to another, watching over each step you take, and bringing you into a new phase of blessing. Perhaps paying attention to the physical passages in your home will cause you to appreciate the spiritual passages taking place as well. You can trust the God who has brought you "thus far" to continue to lead you into the future.
Song of the Day: All the Way My Savior Leads Me, Chris Tomlin - LOVE THIS SONG!!!!