The first month of this new year of 2022 comes to a close today.  Our journey continues and sometimes the road is rugged.   It seems that the sickness and hardship of 2021 has followed us on into 2022.  And, although we talked bravely about a NEW year, somehow we knew that weariness and brokenness would follow us.

I recently heard a great country song about “Travelin’ thru.”   Written by Dolly Parton, it tells a melancholy story about traveling through the uncertainties and hardships of life ‘til our road comes to an end.   It speaks a lot of truth about the journey of my life and maybe yours as well.  One poignant stanza goes like this:

“Oh, sweet Jesus if you’re listening
Keep me ever close to you
As I’m stumbling tumbling wandering
As I’m traveling through” *

I was caught by the words, “Oh, sweet Jesus if you’re listening”.   I wanted to break into the song, shouting “Sweet Jesus, we know you’re listening.”   Oh, what great assurance that is.    Will we stumble and tumble?   Will we be unsure and weary?  You bet we will.  But we’re never alone, we’re never left to our own devices, we always have the love of Jesus holding us firmly in his hand. 

My friends, no matter where you are, that beautiful unconditional love reaches out to you.

Judy

*”Travelin’ Thru,”  Dolly Parton, 2006.