I promise—this is NOT a post on goals or reflections on the New Year.
Er… maybe it is reflections on the New Year. I am incredibly blessed with family and friends.
And this year has already put that up in neon lights!
First, my son Jeff visited last weekend and it was a fun whirlwind three days. We visited all the friends and family we could. We took the time to walk across the swinging bridge at the Spokane River’s Bowl and Pitcher – a favorite place for both of us. Even the sun cooperated!
Already, in the short span of this year, several family members and friends have ended up with serious health issues, like hospital and surgery kinds of things. And I wonder where has that come from? No one has left earth, thank goodness, and most are on the mend or working through what they must.
What is coming on the world news networks is not too reassuring, either. Sometimes it feels like we are streaking towards global disaster.
I have been reminded again that life is temporary, and it brings to us times and seasons.
“A time to be born, And a time to die;
A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill, And a time to heal,
A time to break down, And a time to build up;
A time to weep, And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain, And a time to lose;
A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence; And a time to speak;
A time to love, And a time to hate;
A time of war, And a time of peace;” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
With all of this comes the reminder that “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts…” Ecc 3:11.
This year has begun with fear and trembling for many, but God knows all. His plan for His Kingdom has never wavered, nor will it.
He is the Rock we can stand firm upon.
He has promised us He will be with us through every time and season. We don’t need to fear what we see and hear, nor be dismayed, for He is our God.
Always. For eternity.
I Love this and it comes at a time when I really needed to hear this. I had surgery on December 5th on my foot.
After two weeks of nonweight bearing, They took the stitches out and told me another two weeks of not walking.
On Christmas my incision split open and I got an infection in it. After two courses of antibiotics, it still wasn’t healing. They did a C&S and found that the antibiotics were not working. Another course of antibiotics and staying off my foot for another three weeks and it finally is looking somewhat better. I have been back and forth of being off work returning to work and being off again. Toward the last time of being off work, I started having problems with a tooth. Found out I broke the Root in the tooth and had to have it pulled. Another course of antibiotics. I am now back at work again. some weight bearing on my foot and it looks like its getting better.
The day I was to return to work, Hannah starts vomiting the night before and vomited every 45 min all during the night. Finally got her in to the doctor at 7:45 the next morning. Had to stay at the doctors for three hours until she could leave a urine sample. Found out she not only had a Stomach flu but also a UTI.
Now comes Tuesday night and Gene starts vomiting at midnight. That’s when I got up and slept on the couch for the next two nights.
We are all on the mend now. I was really feeling sorry for myself but this verse really brings it all in perspective. The Lord Our God is So Good!
Love You and keep me informed of your upcoming book.
Your niece and your sister in God.
Nancey