Teach Me Thy Way

Teach me Thy way, O Lord,
  Teach me Thy way;
Thy gracious aid afford,
  Teach me Thy way.
Help me to walk aright;
More by faith, less by sight;
Lead me with heav’nly light,
  Teach me Thy way.

Our good friends Tim and Jill sang this old hymn at our wedding. Yesterday they, and a number of other friends, celebrated our wedding anniversary with us. It was a really good day. This hymn has been our prayer through life…

Accountability… Rachel and I were 22 when we got married. We’d finished our training… were about to start our first jobs… learning to be accountable to others.

Opportunity… By the time we were 32 we had 3 children and were involved in work, church and life. Our broader experience of life gave us many opportunities

Responsibility… By the age of 42 I was a headteacher and on the Leadership team at church; Rachel was busy with family, church and work. We both had significant responsibilities.

When doubts and fears arise,
  Teach me Thy way;
When storms o’erspread the skies,
  Teach me Thy way.
Shine through the cloud and rain,
Through sorrow, toil, and pain;
Make Thou my pathway plain,
  Teach me Thy way.

Mortality… Around the age of 52 I was aware of my mortality. People my age had heart conditions and cancer scares; strong friends retired because of ill-health. I’d been to funerals of people my age and younger…

Authenticity… By the time I was 62 I’d taken early retirement. I needed a faith that was authentic, genuine and honest – not one that I’d had in the past, … a faith for ‘sorrow toil and pain’

Uncertainty… Today, aged 72, we don’t know where our future will take us; we continue to sing:

Long as my life shall last,
  Teach me Thy way;
Where’er my lot be cast,
  Teach me Thy way.
Until the race is run,
Until the journey’s done,
Until the crown is won,
  Teach me Thy way.