There is a right track, O Lord; point it out for me to follow.
(Psalm 25:4 and Psalm 32:8–9; below Hebrews 4:13)
No creature is hidden, from eyes which never leave me.

Dear friend,

I write to you about the truth we share with all humans—life is not by our invitation. We had no say in it. Though some seem born of promise, most… are not!

Life unfolds differently for all. Maturity and wisdom help us forge our
own track—one that leads to security.

As Christians, we believe God is righteous. Right in all He does and faithful
to His promises. (Daniel 9:14)

“In quietness and confidence shall be my strength.”
(Isaiah 30:15)

The track we choose is unknown, but it is known by the eyes that never leave us.

Let me trace this idea using my life.

I am privileged—born a New Zealander, to parents who provided: food, guidance, and an example of stability.

Beyond them, a government that supported families—
with a benefit for each child and retirement support.

How often do you reflect on your teen years?
I do—often.

Compared to today’s stories, I am grateful for parents who—dare I say it—
sacrificed personal comfort for their family.
Safety, responsibility, and care are what they shared.

Isn’t the track more than physical?
It includes the inner ‘person’—the true you, our sense of self-purpose.

For me, being raised in a Christian, Bible-believing home gave me an ethos of being—
a foundation. Not a question. No searching. No looking—
I grew into it, though with inner questions as to the exact possibilities.

Yes, I chose Christian faith as my track.

Memory grounds emotional balance, doesn’t it?

“You took me from the womb, making me secure at my mother’s breast.
I was given over to You at birth. You have been my God from the womb.
Do not be far from me now—distress is near and there is no one to help.”
(Psalm 22:9–11)

Security—not lacking in the basics—gave me strength, outlook, purpose, and faith.

I’ve known little insecurity, though perhaps insecurity has visited you.

There was a moment—a hospital visit some fifty years ago—
pills, they said, would cause only a sore stomach, not an end.

I had my internal struggles, but God sustained me.

Another time, I applied to be a Corrections Officer, but was told, “Sorry, not enough life experience,” so—“No.”

And a nervous several weeks, of being separated from Kiwi mates while in America.

Since then, life has seasoned me: travel, solitude, marriage, stepchildren,
has led to emotional growth.

Along with Track (security) there is Trace (blessed)—
helped and protected by God.

What does Trace mean to you?

For me, it began at infancy. Parents who believed in a Creator God—a heavenly Father who hears prayers.

This belief shaped me. I’ve embraced it—independent of my parents.

Yes, my life is Traced—seen by God.
Let me relate a turning point.

One day, kneeling quietly in a church, an image came: an army—many roles,
from commanders to foot-soldiers.

As I reflected, understanding hit me:
Without soldiers, there is no army! You can have all the ranks you like—
but without foot-soldiers, there’s no army.

That was the moment God traced me with purpose—
Stephen a foot-soldier—essential though unseen.

This assured me: I am Traced.

Yes, I have questioned my faith—do I really believe?
Little external proof, yet belief remains, growing, as I grew.

Emotional healing, with renewed thoughts of self-worth.

“They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.”
(Psalm 112:7–8)

I don’t know if all will be well, but I rest, knowing grace is not hidden,
and God’s love fills all the gaps. (rest — see Hebrews 4:1–10)

I hope my reflective writing offers something solid to engage with—
a stepping-stone on your Track ‘n’ Trace.

An invitation to reflect on your own life path seen by God.

Blessings and cheers with prayers,
Stephen

P.S.
Like Job, may we trust God. Though unseen, He knows our path and sees us—refining us like gold.
(See Job 23:10–12)

© stephen c douglas as Poet.Kiwi
31 March 2025; for Christian Writers Hutt Valley & Beyond, 12 April 2025
photo credit: Stephen — Wellington Camino Walk (Southern Walkway) Sunday 17 April 2022, 11.27am