As we come to a close of this year, 2024 has been nothing of what I thought it would look
like…and 2025 is definitely not starting the way I had planned. However almost every word I
have heard spoken over me in the past few months have said, “I know you don’t see it all, but I
only show you one step at a time. Step out in what you see and I will give you the rest” (from
one of my spiritual mentors).
When I was in the 7th grade, my family returned to the US from West Africa where my parents
had served as missionaries. As the plane took off, I knew my life had changed and it would be
many years before I would ever set foot in Africa again. I was heart broken and I had a very hard
time re-adjusting to the American life. My dorm parent from boarding school, Aileen Hennings,
wrote me often to encourage me during this time. One time, she sent me a poem that I have
carried in my Bible for over 45 years.
THE WEAVER by B.M. Franklin
My life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me.
I cannot choose the colors,
He weaves so steadily.
Oft times He weaveth sorrow
And I in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper,
And I the underside.
Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly,
Will God roll back the canvas
And explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.
So as we enter this new year – and new season – remember that God sees the big picture. We
only see a part – the part that we can handle. It may not – and probably won’t – look like we
expect. The path may seem like it’s full of knots, kinks and twists, but the end result will
surprise us. Our only requirement is to step out in faith and follow His instructions.