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Beware the mists?

01.01.21—Time ever-rolling! –Romans 14: 7-10

My friend, may I ask you a question? Are you making New Year’s resolutions this year? Is now an appropriate time to consider resolutions?


My friend, life’s a story, welcome to This Passing Day. I’m M. Clifford Brunner





I recently walked in such a fog; a fog that was so thick that I could not see more than ten feet in front of me. Although I wear bright clothing and reflective shoes, these will not help you much in a fog that dense. I chose to keep to the shoulder of the road that day, forcing Ginger down into the ditches to pad her way over an occasional rock or downed tree branch. I was glad when that stretch before our house had been put behind us and we were able to turn onto a path less traveled. Nonetheless, as the path climbed upon the crest of a moraine hill, I found myself climbing right up into the fog bank. Now I could see little other than my feet brushing against the pea gravel. Even Ginger was but a vaporous shadow in the ditches below. Now I would have to rely on the tension of the leash to guide me around the several turns that awaited us up ahead. Ginger knew the path well and could probably walk with blindfolded.


As the fog became more dense I began to lose all sense of depth perception. It was even hard to note the up and down swing of the road. My gait became tentative and the dog noticed it. She gradually left her heeling position next to my left side and began moving ahead and to the left of me. Since our path reverse after about a mile, there is a point in the process where master and dog do an about face. Without landmarks to aide me, there was no way I would be able to time that turn correctly. Yet, Ginger knew precisely where to turn. We swung around and headed back again. It was good to find our driveway and felt comforting to put the fog behind me. I resolved to add one new walking rule that morning: Don’t walk in the fog without Ginger at my side.


Are you making New Year’s resolutions this year? If you are like most people, you will at least think about making some. As we begin a new year, it is therefore a most appropriate time to consider resolutions; for it is at this time of the year that most of us take pause to not only reflect on the path taken but also on that which lies before each of us. Last year’s path was filled with choices, some good, others bad. We look back upon the way we have come and the first thing that we notice is that there is no clear hindsight since the path that we started out straightly upon began to wind, climb, and fall as soon as we stepped upon it. No, last year’s path is not at all that clear and may not be the most reliable indica- tor of what the coming year will bring. So we turn to the future and strain to get a grasp upon what lies beyond our gaze. Since we have not yet trod upon that fresh and promising ground, we know little of it as well; for a great mist lies before the path. As soon as we engage it, we are engulfed by it.


Yes, it is good to make resolutions for the coming year. But, resolve one thing first: Make no resolutions that aren’t first leashed to your trust in God to make them happen. With your hope securely lashed to the One who owns you and would never jeopardize that ownership, you can’t go wrong.

We pray. Heavenly Father, the misty path of a new year lie before us. We know that if we take these paths without a guide, a Heavenly Guide, we will, most likely, find ourselves lost and confused. Be our guide, O Lord, in the coming year. Stay close to our side every step of the way. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen!


Therefore my friend, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry for itself; each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:34) This Passing Day. May this passing day honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be a blessing to you and everyone you meet. Find a stranger and say hello. Don't let another day pass without your day blessing someone else.


If you have a special prayer request, please send your request to "This Passing Day!"


<thispassingday@gmail.com> From Beech Springs, God bless you for Jesus sake.

Beware the mists?

01.01.21—Time ever-rolling! –Romans 14: 7-10

My friend, may I ask you a question? Are you making New Year’s resolutions this year? Is now an appropriate time to consider resolutions?


My friend, life’s a story, welcome to This Passing Day. I’m M. Clifford Brunner





I recently walked in such a fog; a fog that was so thick that I could not see more than ten feet in front of me. Although I wear bright clothing and reflective shoes, these will not help you much in a fog that dense. I chose to keep to the shoulder of the road that day, forcing Ginger down into the ditches to pad her way over an occasional rock or downed tree branch. I was glad when that stretch before our house had been put behind us and we were able to turn onto a path less traveled. Nonetheless, as the path climbed upon the crest of a moraine hill, I found myself climbing right up into the fog bank. Now I could see little other than my feet brushing against the pea gravel. Even Ginger was but a vaporous shadow in the ditches below. Now I would have to rely on the tension of the leash to guide me around the several turns that awaited us up ahead. Ginger knew the path well and could probably walk with blindfolded.


As the fog became more dense I began to lose all sense of depth perception. It was even hard to note the up and down swing of the road. My gait became tentative and the dog noticed it. She gradually left her heeling position next to my left side and began moving ahead and to the left of me. Since our path reverse after about a mile, there is a point in the process where master and dog do an about face. Without landmarks to aide me, there was no way I would be able to time that turn correctly. Yet, Ginger knew precisely where to turn. We swung around and headed back again. It was good to find our driveway and felt comforting to put the fog behind me. I resolved to add one new walking rule that morning: Don’t walk in the fog without Ginger at my side.


Are you making New Year’s resolutions this year? If you are like most people, you will at least think about making some. As we begin a new year, it is therefore a most appropriate time to consider resolutions; for it is at this time of the year that most of us take pause to not only reflect on the path taken but also on that which lies before each of us. Last year’s path was filled with choices, some good, others bad. We look back upon the way we have come and the first thing that we notice is that there is no clear hindsight since the path that we started out straightly upon began to wind, climb, and fall as soon as we stepped upon it. No, last year’s path is not at all that clear and may not be the most reliable indica- tor of what the coming year will bring. So we turn to the future and strain to get a grasp upon what lies beyond our gaze. Since we have not yet trod upon that fresh and promising ground, we know little of it as well; for a great mist lies before the path. As soon as we engage it, we are engulfed by it.


Yes, it is good to make resolutions for the coming year. But, resolve one thing first: Make no resolutions that aren’t first leashed to your trust in God to make them happen. With your hope securely lashed to the One who owns you and would never jeopardize that ownership, you can’t go wrong.

We pray. Heavenly Father, the misty path of a new year lie before us. We know that if we take these paths without a guide, a Heavenly Guide, we will, most likely, find ourselves lost and confused. Be our guide, O Lord, in the coming year. Stay close to our side every step of the way. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen!


Therefore my friend, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry for itself; each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:34) This Passing Day. May this passing day honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be a blessing to you and everyone you meet. Find a stranger and say hello. Don't let another day pass without your day blessing someone else.


If you have a special prayer request, please send your request to "This Passing Day!"


<thispassingday@gmail.com> From Beech Springs, God bless you for Jesus sake.

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