December 28th musings

It's December 28th, the year rapidly coming to an end . When I sat at this point last year in 2011, I had no inkling to the events that would transpire in this year. All I knew was the assurance that God was my refuge and strength... I don't remember exactly what I felt on this day last year, but in a journal entry on Christmas morning, 2011, I praised God for coming to earth, so that I could see glimpses of His glory. "You became poor," I wrote, "so I could become rich." Not rich in monetary things, of course, but rich in love, blessings, family, hope.

Now a year later, I have seen more of God's glory, experience more of God's love, journeyed a difficult road, felt terrified, sick, tired, but never hopeless. I knew God was right there alongside me, every single step of the way. I have seen more of His glory.

Psalm 46:1-3

God is our refuge and strength,

    an ever-present help in trouble.

² 

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

³ 

though its waters roar and foam

    and the mountains quake with their surging. 

Last year, I had no idea what 2012 had in store for me. Had I known, even a glimpse of it, I would have been paralyzed with fear. Yet, God walked me through each day, each moment, and gave me refuge and strength for each day. 

As I sit on the brink of another year, I have no idea what things are in store for me, for my family, my friends. I know we'll go through difficult times--what year is without that? I know we'll laugh and joke and live life. I know there will be tears and fears and pain. I also know, without a shadow of doubt, that God will provide our strength, our refuge, our ever-present help in trouble. And no matter what happens, we will see a bit more of His glory, a glimpse of heaven, and remember that this is not our home.

Before I end, I'll give a quick update on my health. I'm thankful that I've successfully navigated my first cold. I have a bit of stuffiness left, but nothing that a few days, some healthy food, exercise and rest will clear up. As I sniffled away the last couple of days, I was again reminded how God protected me from illness during my weakest moments, the times when an infection could have grown out of control. I am encouraged how well my body responded to this cold. I never thought of a cold as good before, but this one was. It's a sign that I'm actually getting better!