Have you ever been reading a really good book and you couldn’t wait to turn the page to see what happens next? Or, you aren’t quite ready to turn the page because it may not turn out the way you had hoped? I know some people who read the last chapter of the book first! You know who you are.
I was on a walk recently and my AirPods were not charged, so I just enjoyed my walk with the the birds singing, the sound of the traffic going by, and I got lost in my own thoughts. Then, out of the blue, an old Bob Seger song just popped in my head. Many of you will know it if you are a fan of his music. It was “Turn the Page.” If you know the song, you are probably singing it now.
This is the chorus: See here I am
On the road again There I am
Up on the stage Here I go
Playin’ star again There I go
Turn the page
I couldn’t help but think about this past year and what is written on the pages on my own book. Some days I couldn’t wait to turn the page on a new day. Some days I knew what was on the next page and I just wanted to skip it. We are all on the stage of our own lives, but I know who the real star is and His name is Jesus. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” This we can count on to be on every page.
Anyone else like to journal? It has become a regular discipline in my life for a few years now. I have notebooks and binders filled with pages of thoughts, poems, prayers and just words. It helps me to process life. I have also found that writing is a means of worship for me. As you probably already guessed, I have new journals ready for 2022. But before I begin filling those blank pages, I find it is helpful to look back at 2021. Maybe you will find this helpful in your life as you look ahead to a new year. What has filled your pages in 2021? What lessons have you learned? Have you experienced disappointments, grief or joy? What will you carry with you into the new year? What will you leave behind? Where have you seen Jesus?
I don’t know what 2022 holds for me, but I know who holds tomorrow. He is my Shepherd who leads me. Here I am Lord. I am ready to go. Turn the page.
Your fellow sojourner, Jennifer Thomas
