Although the above photo is accidently blurry because I must have jiggled while photographing, it makes me think of how I’m viewing the passing year—through tears of thanksgiving and joy. It seems like yesterday, when 2011 began in the midst of unprecendented challenges for Joe and me. Then, suddenly in September, those challenges dissolved into blessing upon blessing. I’m a bit of a stoic in the midst of troubles, and normally do not cry during times of stress and hardship. I just pray and soldier on in God’s grace, keeping my chin up. But when the hard times cease and the relief pours in, then I weep many tears of gratitude.
Normally by January 1st, I’m chomping to dismantled the appurtenances of Christmas and pack them away for another year. Garden dreams grow with the daylight minutes which begin increasing right after Christmas Day, and I anticipate another season of outdoor living.
Now it is December 31st. Tomorrow I may think differently, but today I am hanging on to 2011 due to the many blessings we’ve experienced therein: Joe’s miraculous healing from 3rd and 4th degree burns requiring radical surgery, Joe’s healing from a totally shot rotator cuff and surgery, Joe’s healing from congestive heart failure and the satisfactory implantation of a pacemakier/defibrillator, my helpful therapies for chronic lumbar and sacral pain, my cataract surgery resulting in 2 regenerated eyes, many family gatherings, 3 new great-grandbabies born (plus 2 which were born at the end of 2010), and a brand new son-in-law as of 12/30/11.
(For wonderful wedding news, please refer to another of my blogs: http://hiswordistrue.wordpress.com/ .)
Today I believe I’ll keep the manger scene and our sweet little Christmas tree up for a few more weeks (or days) because I’m overwhelmed with joy over the blessings of 2011. But when the tree does come down, my memories will remain. What a gift, the blessing of memory! When we humans forget the unpleasant events of the past and keep the joy in our hearts and minds, we are forever wealthy!
Margaret L. Been, ©2011
Hi Maggi – I always enjoy your blogs. I love your explanation for the blurry photo (I can so relate!). I also make it through the tough time with God alongside and then when it’s over and all is well … that is when I tear up easily. Strange, isn’t it? May 2012 bring continued blessings and miracles when we need them. Barbara