I have a friend whose son has a form of autism. It’s a rather mystifying condition that presents with many different kinds of symptoms. One of the traits this boy has is called the “blank face syndrome.” For some reason his brain does not recognize the details in faces. Even faces that should be familiar appear blank to him. You can imagine the difficulties that arise as a result.

I thought about that as I contemplated the ending of 2006 and the beginning of 2007. The year ahead is a little like a blank face to me. Because we are launching into a year of so much change, with two daughters leaving home and third being married, a move to a different community and different ministry, a book coming out and opportunities for speaking and teaching opening up, I find myself trying to see what that will all look like. How will we cope with the empty nest? What strategies will be effective in . . .

I have a friend whose son has a form of autism. It’s a rather mystifying condition that presents with many different kinds of symptoms. One of the traits this boy has is called the “blank face syndrome.” For some reason his brain does not recognize the details in faces. Even faces that should be familiar appear blank to him. You can imagine the difficulties that arise as a result.

I thought about that as I contemplated the ending of 2006 and the beginning of 2007. The year ahead is a little like a blank face to me. Because we are launching into a year of so much change, with two daughters leaving home and third being married, a move to a different community and different ministry, a book coming out and opportunities for speaking and teaching opening up, I find myself trying to see what that will all look like. How will we cope with the empty nest? What strategies will be effective in planting the new church? What kind of ‘day jobs’ will we have and how will that affect the other aspects of our lives? Will my book be successful and will I have time to do the other writing I want/need to do? Will we lose touch with the dear friends we’ve come to love over the past twenty years?

There are a lot of questions about the future. None of the details of the face of 2007 are clear and I’m finding it a little disconcerting. So when I opened my e-mail inbox the other day and read these two scriptures, my heart was lightened and my spirit soared -

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19 KJV).

“And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8 KJV).

What comfort to know that God is making a way, even though we are walking blindly into the future. What comfort to know He is walking with us now and will remain right here beside us, no matter what.

I guess I can stop squinting, stop trying to see what might be in the days, weeks and months ahead. All I need to do is slip my hand into the hand being held out to me and trust that its owner knows the way – the best way – and will lead us through.

Blessings to you all in the New Year!

Marcia Laycock is a pastor's wife and freelance writer living in Alberta Canada.  Her devotional book, The Spur of the Moment has been endorsed by Janette Oke, Phil Callaway and others.  To order, and to view more of Marcia's writing, see her web site - www.vinemarc.com
Copyright Marcia Lee Laycock, 2000, 2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007