looking back and looking ahead...

In college, I was introduced to a style of worship music called "Taize" - they are simple songs, usually comprised of one, maybe two, meditative phrases repeated over and over again.  Because they are short, sung with simple instrumentation, or none at all, the focus really is on the words.  In such, they become meditative, and a way of corporately praying together and listening to God together, focused on the simple truth which we declare in song.  While, like any style of music, they cannot be the full of worship, they are a beautiful, simple way on focusing on and inviting God's presence, and as such, have been very meaningful to me over time.  We even had one sung in our wedding (this one, if you're curious).  The words mean, "where there is charity and love, God is there."

As I have thought through this past year, and prepared for the upcoming, sitting in the midst of many different places with us, and with dear friends, with both the hard, and the beautiful, a different Taize song - from the words of the thief on the cross - has oft been repeating in my mind, as my prayer and meditation.  And so, in lieu of a New Years post, or a past year reflection, I leave you with this instead (you can listen to the Taize here).

I should note, that for me, the implication of these words and request is first and foremost a desire to be with Jesus in each of these places, for him to dwell with me, us, our friends, as well as an entreaty for him to bring his kingdom, to bring us into his kingdom, in each of these places. 

Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.

Jesus, remember me...

As we celebrated the birth of our son, with the fullest of joy...

As we grieved, processed, broke, feared, lived, and healed, during and after the marathon bombings...

As we live(d) in the tension of loving and missing our homes, and loved ones, both near and far...

As we grow in love and marriage and life together, in the day to day.

Jesus, remember me...

As we parent our now growing, constantly moving, toddler...

As we lose our tempers and, exhausted, celebrate the moments when he f.i.n.a.l.l.y. is in bed...

As we say "no" or "leave it alone" again. and again. and again... and again...

As we enjoy the giggles, words, and expressions of this little boy becoming his own person...

As we seek to love well, failing often, repenting regularly, but waking up each morning, trying...

Jesus, remember me...

As we thought we had lost, were losing, this precious second baby...

As we cautiously, with hope growing, celebrate the life that grows within me...

As we hold on to hope, that you are Lord of this tiny life, that you hold it in your strong hands...

As you bring this little one into our lives in your perfect timing...

Jesus, remember (us)...

As we cry, and as we sing...

As we wait with friends as they wait for children, jobs, life, hope, and the end of winter

As we grieve with friends as they grieve death, miscarriage, loss, and that which is not yet had...

As we walk - ourselves, with others - through the long, dark, seemingly endless valley of depression...

As we celebrate with friends as they celebrate weddings, babies, jobs, hard choices, and full lives...

Jesus, remember me...

In the decisions we have to make this upcoming year...

In financial certainty and uncertainty, in being insured, or uninsured, job secure or insecure...

As we take risks, try new things, and cling to places of familiarity...

In our jobs, and job decisions, on good days and less than...

Wherever we are, whatever we do, whenever those transitions happen...

Jesus, remember me...

As I have hope, and where I lack it...

Where the way is clear and where it is clouded...

Where we grieve and where we celebrate, and where we're not sure which to do...

In our darkest and our brightest hours...

... Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.