Roots and Routes

Well, here we stand at the dawn of another year. Lycra-clad hopefuls swarm the streets, fuelled by the guilt of festive overindulgence, and we gaze, pensively, as 2025 emerges from the ashes of a year now firmly lodged in our memories. Some will squint into the twilight expectantly, eager to discover all the next twelve months holds, others will set out on the path with nervous trepidation, anxious and uncertain of what lies ahead.

It’s at times like these that I’m often reminder of a familiar verse in the Psalms: ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.’ (Psalm 119:105) The road ahead may be gloomy and unwelcoming but we don’t have to struggle along it alone: God does promise to help us if we’ll let him. We’re not always sure how it’s going to manifest but He loves to shine light on the cracked and broken path ahead of us; to help us avoid trips and stumbles on nefarious rocks and twisted roots. Irrespective of whether we have any clue about where we are heading, He also likes to illuminate the route ahead, maybe not the whole way but at least enough to get us to the next bend in the road.

It will look different for each of us of course. For some it will feel like we’re having to hack our way through brambles and for others it might be smooth and easy-going for a while. Either way, the light, His light, is there comforting, revealing and encouraging our every step. It is so easy to forget at times but a treasure to remember when we can and a hope to hold onto as we venture into the unknown.

So, God-speed in 2025 everyone, let’s see what adventures our feet will take us on this year…