Christmas, and of course the eve of a new year, is a great time to evaluate, another of those milestones that give us opportunity to take measure, to think about where we are in life, and where we wish we were.
I suppose some people think about how their lives are going, judging by how many party invitations they receive or what gifts they receive. i suppose that’s a “thing” for many. For me, now so much. Some people count the number of greeting cards they receive, or whether or not they merited a bonus at work to show they’re appreciated. Some may measure success by bank accounts or possessions, and others by other visible recognitions of self-worth.
Some have celebrated significant gains this year–new cars, fashion up-to-the minute, goals made and reached. Some have followers–they’re called influencers these days. Some have stacks of thank you notes, or degrees earned, or books published or welcomed new babies into the world.
Some, like me, cannot remember last year’s New Year’s resolutions, yet, like me, are happy to report that God has again shown His faithfulness and has met our every need. I’m one of those. I celebrate the month of November by publishing pages of a book I wrote called “Thanksliving: Attitude of Gratitude” and Advent by enumerating the many ways the Old Testament prophecies of Jesus are fulfilled in the Jesse Tree and Chrismon ornaments based on scripture. I am thankful for the days of joy in 2023, in spite of political intrigue and nastiness, in spire of storms and challenges, in spite of wars in several corners of our world, in spite of financial woes and disappointments. I know God is faithful and we are blessed with breath, reasonably good health, and a wealth of memories which coalesce at this time of the year.
As I celebrate our move to a senior living facility and how smoothly that transition occurred, I see new opportunities to spread God’s love and examples of His guidance. As I evaluate our health status, I see no hospitalizations this year, no serious consequences of being eighty-three and a half years old–both of us. So far, everything’s fixable and we are mostly able to live life triumphantly. Of course, change is hard. I am mission about eighty of my prized nativity collection pieces, given away to others. I am finding new ways to accomplish the day of baking Nancy and Ev and I did yesterday in a small kitchen. Making cookies and tarts and bread and planning for a weekend of entertaining in a new place is challenging. Downsizing is hard, but it is a time to evaluate how much “stuff” we keep acquiring and then shedding. Giving treasures away is both filled with nostalgia and the joy of sharing with others who appreciate new acquisitions to bless their lives.
We continue to enjoy being close to family and not having to board airplanes and drive hundreds of miles. Although a sister languishes right now in a northern rehabilitation center and has faces significant health challenges since November, she is blessed by friendships and a life she considers to be satisfying. Our church has worshipped in new settings this year in anticipation of our new sanctuary and church building being ready for us soon. I have watched my grandchildren grow into beautiful young women, achieving in dance, academics, violin performance, and helpfulness as they grow in grace, wisdom, and love for their God and Savior. Our son and daughter continue to share their talents and their love of music to bring joy to hundreds of students and their colleagues. My husband’s counsel is sought for and given as he leads our small group and sits on Session at church. And we are enjoying our retirement from caring for a house and yard and we’re meeting new people every day who enrich our lives.
I completed and published “Sam’s Sea Stars Sag” this year, completed” Suzanne Dawn’s Saga” and have it ready to publish, both books completing my series of foster and adopting sibling groups, and in November finished the first draft of “Mom’s Tender Touch,” a sequel to “Seaside Serendipity.” I also published my first chapbook, and contributed to a poetry anthology, a short story anthology, and supported other efforts of the Space Coast Writers’ Guild. Ev and I have continued to support the Space Coast Symphony by volunteering in promoting and serving as Will Call and ticket sellers at their performances. These groups encourage our community be a good place to be.
We are thankful to be able to sing Christmas carols with gusto now that we’re over a really bad upper respiratory infection which whipped us for two weeks. Yes, the Messiah’s “Hallelujah Chorus” rang out once again, and we’ve attended too many concerts to count. Music brings us joy. Today we get to sing God’s praises in two services where we can celebrate the best gift of the year once again, the coming of Jesus to show us how to live this mortal life and enjoy Him forever in the next. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.
Merry Christmas as you see another year end and a new one begin. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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