Monday, January 2, 2012

A New Year, A New Hope

December 31, 2011

Here we are at the end of another year. It has been one of blessings and trials, the trials, it would seem, outnumbered the blessings but in reality I know that isn't the case. I think it is that I have been blessed so much throughout the year that I have taken much of it for granted. When the good stuff comes my way I thank God but I don't dwell on it like I do when a trial rears it's ugly head. It is difficult not to dwell on the bad stuff because it causes so much pain and sorrow. I suppose we all would like to believe that life will be full of happiness and joy, for the most part, with the occasional problem intruding in our lives and causing emotional if not physical anguish, but unfortunately, that just isn't the case. Being a Christian does not mean you will suffer no trials. If anything it is just the opposite. However, when you know God is with you, it does make the trials easier to bear. Sometimes, we compound the problem by not trusting God completely. I know I am guilty of this and am always ashamed of myself for lapsing into fretful fits of worry. (Proverbs 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.) (Psalm 40:4 How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.) Trust is such an important factor in all areas of our lives. If we cannot trust those we love, God should be chief among them, then what have we got? This year is a new start and I am hoping I have learned to just let go and let God.

January 1, 2012

Happy New Year!!!!! 
It is only the beginning of the year and I am looking forward to Spring, already. Somewhere around mid March Keith's chemo will be finished and then not only will the freshness of Spring be in the air but if the chemo is successful, which we have every reason to believe it will be, there will be a freshness in our lives, a new beginning. After trudging through this winter, bleak in more ways than one, this Spring, will be one in which we will both bask. The sun will seem warmer and brighter then usual, the flowers more fragrant and colorful, the grass will be greener then ever before and the trees will cast a wider swath of shade. There will be a spring in our step, as well, when we are free from this winter of dark shadows clouding our path. 

Keith is doing well and I am so grateful, very grateful. January third is the date of the next chemo. I feel a little better prepared since I have a general idea of what to expect. If this treatment follows the same pattern as the last time then we will both be ready. When April rolls around and all is said and done we plan to celebrate a truly wonderful and blessed new year, bursting with hope for a brighter future. May the presence of the Son shine upon us all.

His Presence

In my garden, God lives.
Each flower whispers His name.
The air is filled with a fragrance
to which only He can lay claim.
He talks to me in my garden.
In the rustle of branches He's there.
His beauty mirrored in flowers,
that with us He has chosen to share.
He walks with me in my garden.
leaving His prints all around.
In the grass waving on breezes,
He greets me without a sound.
In my garden God brings renewal,
with a colorful show every spring.
An explosion of perfume and petals,
a promulgation of love from the King.
 

2 comments: