The leaves are falling and swirling across the lawns and streets, gathering in gutters and along curbs. It won’t be long before the snowflakes are falling instead, creating a restorative blanket of fresh, white snow to cover up all that’s dingy. We are on the cusp of a new season.
I’m familiar with life on the cusp. Cusp is defined as: a transitional point or time, as between two astrological signs. I was born on January 20—on the cusp between the astrological signs Capricorn and Aquarius. I take direction for my life from the Creator, not from the creation, so I don’t pay much attention to astrological forecasts. But if there’s some truth to the characteristics attributed to each sign in the zodiac that may explain why I sometimes feel like the organized and stable Capricorn and sometimes like the curious and creative Aquarian! I live life on the cusp.
We are also on the cusp of a new reality in the United States of America. With the presidential election less than a month away, emotions, fears, and speculations have never been higher. Dear friends and family members on opposite sides of the political spectrum, and possibly with vastly different world views, almost innately know to avoid one another in these tense, contentious days. When all’s said and done, we will still want the people we cherish to feel comfortable in our presence. Of that I’m sure.
Yet are we, as some say, on the cusp of the death or the rebirth of this great nation? Is our amazing experiment in democracy and freedom over, or will we remember what made us exceptional in the first place and choose to return to the values and beliefs which gave birth to liberty? Only time will tell, but of one thing I am completely confident. Whatever happens, God will still be sovereign. He will still hear His people when we cry out to Him. He will still lavish His love, mercy, and grace upon those willing to ask and to receive.
As I think about living life on the cusp, I’m reminded of a portion of the Prayer of St. Patrick: Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left…It’s this reality that allows me to live life on the cusp with eternal peace in my heart. I pray the same for you.
St. Patrick’s prayer will sustain us all through this season. Thanks for the encouragement.
Love you
Thanks, dear. It’s a good one!
On the cusp, indeed. The one good thing that’s happened, Nancy, is I’ve cut w-a-a-y back on watching anything on any “news” stations.
As we drove to Kansas to visit my mother several day ago, at the interstate turnoff to a tiny town of only a few houses, a gas station and two empty buildings, there was a big hand-painted sign: Relax. Fold your hands and pray, grateful that no matter who wins the election, God is still The King.
Amen to that.
Such good advice from a small town, Marylin. Thanks for sharing.
Nancy, you nailed it. Regardless if we or our nation tetters on the cusp, Our God never will.
Carol and I will take Ms. Warner’s advice above, just “fold our hands and pray . . .”
Rolle and Carol
He reigns! Always and forever. Thanks, Rolle and Carol
We certainly live in strange times. I always get comfort praying the Serenity Prayer: God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change: Courage to change the things I can; and the Wisdom to know the difference. Our families, our nation, and indeed the whole world needs prayer right now.
Another excellent prayer for right now, Joan. Thanks so much for bringing it to mind.
Well said for a difficult and contentious topic!
Good words, God is on his throne and preparing our real home!
Jimmie
And aren’t we grateful for that? Thanks, Jimmie.
As always well written. I too am on the cusp of two dissimilar signs Scorpio and Sagittarius but tend more toward the traits of the hunter. I am reminded that He is the sovereign God of the Universe, maker and ruler of all things and immutable Father of our Lord and Savior. Thankfully He is in control, and thankfully He is good. We will prevail, and He will come again. On that I rest my faith. His will be done.
Thank you for these wise words, Ben. Yes, as Father Tim always says in the Mitford novels by Jan Karon, “God’s will be done” is the prayer that never fails! We can rest and trust in that.
No matter who is President, Christ is still King!
I want to talk (pray) more about this with anyone who is willing!
Good thoughts, Nancy….A side note: I guess I’m “cuspier” than lots of other friends, closer to “the edge” of the other side. And the closer I get, the more I realize God is the One in control.
I refuse to let fear (or fear mongers) be a part of my life, no matter who holds the highest office in our country. We live in exciting times. There’s always room and opportunity to grow as people. There is individual soul work each of us has to do that will define our nation more than party or religious affiliation.