Lead, Kindly LIght

This morning at 5:30, I laid in bed luxuriating that I didn't have to get up yet. I listened to Ed in the basement directly below our bedroom getting his router started before he left for work. (If you deduce from that sentence that Ed is feeling terrific, you are correct.)

I heard Ed singing snatches of Lead, Kindly Light. This meaningful prayer hymn written after the author had a lengthy illness. Corrie ten Boom's sister, Betsy, sang Lead, Kindly Light while being herded into a German concentration camp. Titanic survivors sang this hymn while in a lifeboat awaiting rescue.

This morning we got word that my newborn nephew had just been airlifted to a larger hospital because of his breathing difficulties. To begin the day praying/singing this song for my brother, his wife, and little baby was a reminder of the blessing of the Lord who is the Light for our journey. (You can follow my brother's Instagram at German Barn Builders for updates on their baby.)

"He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12

Lead, Kindly Light
by J. H. Newman

1. Lead, kindly Light, amid th’ encircling gloom,
   Lead Thou me on;
   The night is dark, and I am far from home,
   Lead Thou me on;
   Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
   The distant scene; one step enough for me.
2. I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou
   Shouldst lead me on;
   I loved to choose and see my path, but now
   Lead Thou me on;
   I loved the garish day, and spite of fears,
   Pride ruled my will; remember not past years.
3. So long Thy pow’r has blest me, sure it still
   Wilt lead me on,
   O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till
   The night is gone,
   And with the morn those angel faces smile,
   Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.