Encouragement for the Changing Seasons of Life

Inside: How the comfort-filled, timeless truth of a song can minister to our souls, even in the middle of the night when we can’t sleep. ~

My word for 2026 is rejoice. I haven’t written about it much, but I have been attempting to live it out it by counting my blessings regularly.

While I’m typing up my morning prayers, I look back on the previous day and thank God for His good gifts, large and small. I name the blessings one by one, as the old hymn instructs. In the process, my strength increases and my hope expands.

This practice has been a lifesaver during a long season of transition.

These days, the changes going on in and around me are mostly good and normal and even expected. For example, adult daughters move to other states, start new jobs and get married. And a new son-in-law is a blessing, for sure.

Sorting it Out

But when all this happens for the first time, during a 12-month period that also includes recovery from a traumatic brain injury, it can take a while for a mom to sort it out. Especially when most of that mom’s processing is done mentally, rather than emotionally.

Case in point: I don’t cry much, but I often wake up throughout the night with a head full of thoughts. (Anyone else?) Lately, though, when my overloaded mind is interfering with my ability to sleep, the lyrics of another beloved hymn slip in and turn down the noise.

As I drift back to sleep, these truth-saturated words by Thomas O. Chisholm remind me of God’s unchanging character and His tender care throughout my life. I share them here in hopes that they will do the same for you, no matter what you are facing today.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
As thou hast been, thou forever will be.

Great is thy faithfulness,
Great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hast provided;
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

Great is thy faithfulness,
Great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hast provided;
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside.

Great is thy faithfulness,
Great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hast provided;
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

Vocal Version

If reading the lyrics of “Great is Thy Faithfulness” put you in the mood for listening, here is a beautiful rendition by Carrie Underwood and CeCe Winans.

Mother’s Day Surprise

Speaking of new-morning mercies, this a.m. as I counted my blessings from the past weekend, a surprise visit from Lilly and her new husband topped the list. Randy and Molly were in on the secret, but I had no idea the newlyweds would be waiting in our garage when we got home from church on Mother’s Day.

In the days leading up to Sunday, I figured my first Mother’s Day with only one daughter at home would feel a little different. Happily, I have yet to experience that.

To borrow a line from the hymn, “Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.”

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♥ Lois

P.S. I’m linking up this week with InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.