This Christmas as I danced through family visits, celebratory dinners, shopping trips, Christmas shows and the sweet moments of innocence I saw reflected in my children's faces, I saw beyond my own decorated door step into the lives of others...and it was there that the Lord shone his light revealing the true spirit of the season.
I saw a Godly woman tending to her husband who underwent triple bi pass surgery. I was struck by her words when I asked her how she was doing. She said: "I'm okay if he's okay." I will never forget those words. She is living proof of the wives we are called to be. Her hands reach out to the Father in LOVE.
I saw a mother sitting by her 11 year old son's hospital bed reading Christmas cards from loved ones. She's not sure how to ask the Lord for a new heart for her son but she trusts that whatever her prayer looks like, He will answer. Her hands reach out to the Father in HOPE.
I saw my dear friend at the mercy of her granddaughters cancer diagnoses praising God and giving Him the glory even though her heart was breaking. I watched her joy increase as she shared the most tender moments with her granddaughter... holding her little body tight in the midst of a storm. Her hands reach to out to the Father in FAITH.
I don't know what blessings or challenges lie ahead for me but I do know that I can aspire to be like the women I admire and I am thankful to a God whose loving arms receive those who reach for Him reminding us that there is the promise of something greater than our own understanding will allow.
May you have a joyous new year filled with love, hope and faith.
