A New Life Begins
In March of 1934 the promise of springtime appeared and excitement was in the room. A baby girl was born to Rev. A. H. “Buck” and Donnis Brock Griffin. They named her Germaine. That’s me, and today of all days I should be feeling joyful and perky, but I happened to look up at the mirror on my wall and saw this aging body. Then I considered the mirror of God’s Word…the inner self…is renewed day by day–I don’t see myself with white hair and wrinkles. Sometimes when I’m out shopping and I pass a mirror I wonder who that old woman is. My mother’s motto for old age was “age is a matter of the mind and if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter.” She also told me, “As you age, you must use more wisdom.” Looking out across the beauty of the lake, I am reminded of an earlier birthday when I walked downstairs moaning and whining (I’m sure God hates whining because I do). The thought came to me that it would be good to offer a prayer of thanksgiving to the Father. Can you believe that I couldn’t think of one thing to thank Him for! God met me where I was. With a sigh, I thanked Him for the world so sweet, for the food we eat. I thanked Him for good and perfect gifts of peace, love, joy, faith, life, family and friends, and the privilege of celebrating another birthday. I was born for such a time as this, and my times are in His hands. From birthday to birthday the joy of the Lord is my strength! I may have to remind myself to stand straighter, to pick up my feet and get the spring back in my step…I do this rejoicing because the Lord is my Joy, my Strength, my Light and my Salvation!
PRAYER
Most Holy GOD, thank you! Everything in me says, “Thank you!” Father, thank You for commanding light to shine out of darkness into my heart to give me the light of the knowledge of Your glory. By Your grace that has been multiplied to me I do not lose heart. Even though my body of flesh is perishing, my inward man is being renewed day by day. My light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for me a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. I believe and therefore I purpose to look at the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:1-18) You renew my youth like the eagles! Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in, and you made my life large with strength. For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come. You have put a song in my heart and began a good work in me. I thank you for helping me grow in grace until your task within me is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns for me. Your Word equips me for every good work–to do good to everyone, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Scripture Reading
Psalm 138, The Message; Philippians 1:6; SS 2:11-12; 2 Timothy 3:17