“Pease daddy, take my hand cause I can’t see the car.” Those were the words of my five year old daughter as we made our way back to the family car. We had been out in the country for the day and well into the evening. By the time we left our friend’s house it was dark. There were no streetlights and the lights from the house only shone a short distance. There was just my daughter and myself. Talk about walking blindfolded! I was certain I knew where I had left the car and we started to make our way in that general direction. It was then that I heard that little voice beside me; “Please daddy, take my hand cause I can’t see the car.” I took her by the hand and we made our way safely to the car. Those words “take my hand” have remained with me for the past 25 years. It was a gentle plea that was both courteous and at the same time spoke of dependence. 

   Looking out onto a New Year we may not be certain of what lies before us. We hope for good times and we hope for safe times. We also know that there might very well be times when we will have to walk completely by faith one step at a time. Let’s begin our walk into 2013 by expressing the same sentiment expressed by my daughter only this time we are looking to God as we say; “Please Lord, take my hand because I’m not certain what lies before me,”

   May the good Lord bless you in the year ahead.