another year and another song

people, i'm getting older. i know, i know--it happens to all of us, but lately i've really been feeling it happen to me. at the same time, i feel so young and foolish. so clumsy. so forward and backward. today on the train, i overheard a woman say, "i've been working there for 19 years now." this blew me away. she has spent the majority of my life at the same job. i've been working inside myself for 27 years now, but the life learning curve is steep.

yesterday, i had some good reflection on the state of my life. things haven't gone quite like i expected, and i'm sure they won't down the road either. i am not sure where i'm headed, but i want to add to the beauty. i want to give more back. i want to give more.

while i reflected, i listened to one song over and over. when i have a bit more time, i'd like to explain why. in the meantime, i'll just say i have designated it the anthem of my 28th year. here are the lyrics:

Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me
by Edward Hopper, 1818-1888

Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life's tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treacherous shoal.
Chart and compass come from Thee:
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

As a mother stills her child,
Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
Boisterous waves obey Thy will
When Thou say'st to them, "Be still!"
Wondrous Sovereign of the sea,
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

When at last I near the shore,
And the fearful breakers roar
'Twixt me and the peaceful rest,
Then, while leaning on Thy breast,
May I hear Thee say to me,
"Fear not, I will pilot thee."

and here is a vid from the lower lights, from one of the best concerts of my life.