graduations
anniversaries
closing programs
I think these times cause me to "stop and think" even more than the beginning of the year (you know, that whole 'resolutions' period). As I read graduation announcements and "class mottos," receive wedding invitations and share in anniversary memories, I can't help but think about what God has done and is doing in my life. How will I spend the future milestones, if God allows there to be any more?
Once again, the Puritans put my thoughts into their words. Hear the updated version of this meditation from "The Valley of Vision"
Christ Alone
O God, Your main plan and Your ultimate will
is to make Christ glorious and beloved
in heaven where He is now ascended,
where one day all the elect will behold His glory
and love and glorify Him forever.
Though here on earth I love Him a little,
I look forward to loving Him completely!
In this world You have given me a beginning of loving Christ,
one day it will be perfected in heaven.
You, God, have helped me to see and know Christ,
though obscurely,
to take Him, receive Him,
to possess Him, love Him,
to bless Him in my heart, my mouth, my life.
Please let me study and stand for discipline,
and all the ways of worship,
out of love for Christ;
and to show my thankfulness to Him;
to seek and know God's will from love,
to do God's will in love,
and daily to care for and keep this attitude.
You have led me to place all my nature and happiness
in oneness with Christ,
in having my heart and mind centered only on Him,
in being like Him in doing good to others;
This is my heaven on earth.
But, God, I need the force, energy, impulses of Your Holy Spirit
to carry me on the way to my Jerusalem.
Here on earth, it is my duty and privilege
to be as Christ in this world,
to do what He would do,
to live as He would live,
to walk in love and humility,
so that Christ would be known and loved and worshiped.
Then, I could die in peace.
What a worthwhile mission! What a lifetime goal!
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