The Close

The year is coming to a close. It was eventful. At the ministry, stuff was torn down and built back up — renovation brought change. An old and empty space became a room that is useful and beautiful. New folks came to visit and others moved on. Birthdays, anniversaries and holidays were celebrated with family and friends. The pain and sorrow of loss was profound, yet the hope of life was ever present. Great division continued to grow in our country along political lines. The economy is up and unemployment is the lowest its ever been. Hospital stays, surgeries, and difficult medical diagnoses brought sobriety, but also a strengthening of faith and hope for healing. Standing with friends who struggled with great pain inside, who fought against addiction, who felt loss, betrayal, that marriages were done … those ongoing conversations have been woven throughout the fabric of this past year. Great conversations — both online and in real life, so much laughter, tall tales, crazy stories, moments of sheer joy and silly dancing … brought family and friends closer together. Positions at jobs came to an end and new opportunities opened up. New cars were purchased. Meeting with architects and seeing plans for new houses and barns and walking pieces of property brought excitement for the possibilities — the “what’s next.” Adventures across the country via plane, train, and automobile brought families and friends closer. Spirituality, change, and growth in the pursuit of the divine was also a hallmark of this past year. Learning and studying brought clarity, new illumination, and the continuing journey toward maturity.

In the midst of all that, the sun rose and the sun set … and this brought so many beautiful opportunities to experience the beauty of God’s handiwork in the skies; in the power of the waves and wind on the lakeshore; and throughout the flatlands.

The struggles were real. But so are the blessings. It’s been a year. But its been a good year. I stand in gratefulness.