Thursday, December 31, 2009

New Year’s Eve Reflections

Cat Looking Out Window

Today I'm reflecting back on the year past and thinking about the coming year. I'd like to share my thoughts with you. The past year has been one of change and struggle as we tried to grasp the reality of losing our young son-in-law and the impact it had on our daughter and her three children. As I look back I see one thing very clearly – we’ve made it through only because God has been faithful and He has given us strength for every step. There is no way any of us can see what lies ahead, and that’s a good thing, but we know this to be true – God is good all.the.time!! He hasn’t forsaken us and he promised He won’t ever leave us alone in the future.

In the middle of the loss and grief of the last months God has blessed us with special things that we knew were gifts from His hand. A wonderful, dream vacation with my sweetheart; an unbelievable college reunion on the campus where I spent those years in San Francisco; time with new friends and friends from long ago – and most of all more blessings and grace each day than I imagined possible. There have been tears and laughter, hugs and gentle words spoken, surprises and things long waited for. We have walked through changes – some hard to comprehend and some incredible blessings. No matter what, we have had a lot of love in our lives – from God, from friends nearby and from you, my dear friends. You enrich my life beyond belief! I love the way we share our lives – the fun, the tough times, the silly things, the real, at times the unreal, our comings and goings, and the beauty of our homes and families and the world around us.

Thank you for letting me share a bit of your life. Thank you for the way you share mine. I never dreamed how much the dear friendships made here would touch my heart. And life. You inspire me, you make me smile, you make me feel loved (and hugged), you teach me, you remind me what’s important and more than you know there are days you give me strength to hang on. Looking back, I’m so glad we’ve walked the road together this past year – and I can’t wait to walk on ahead with you. There are surprises and changes ahead – of that I’m sure – but I can’t wait to see what God planned. For you and for me!

4 comments:

  1. That is so sweet, Adrienne. You have certainly been a blessing in my life, dear friend. Wishing you and your family a blessed and Happy New Year.
    Love and Hugs, Cathy

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  2. A new year to do new things and receive new blessings Adrienne. A fresh start is given us once a year. I pray that God will continue to bless you and your family and hold you up through tough times that we all experience:>) Much love to you my friend.

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  3. it is nice to know that people join us along our walks of lifes joys and challenges....but, really, we are walking the walk alone...knowing that God is there to catch us when we stumble or fall.....lifting us up so we can continue on...
    Blessing to you sweet friend

    Heart Hugs,
    Coleen

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  4. A beautiful post and a great testimony. I had actually been thinking of your daughters great loss as I seem to remember it was quite early in the year.

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