December

December, 2022 is upon us. So quickly this year has passed and like all years before it, it comes to a close with many memories, some unfulfilled goals and disappointments, and some interesting and delightful surprises. I didn’t accomplish what I had hoped to do this year, and many goals still go unreached. Yet there were, as there always are the unique blessings of God, the unseen gifts that I did not plan, but were given by the Father of light with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Many are the plans of a man, but the Lord directs his steps. I could focus on the losses, for they were deep, or the sorrows, they are painful, however at the end of this year I chose to focus on the blessings , and remember the days of 2022 when my heart was filled with joy. I can look back over the last twelve months and see relationships that slowly grew with time and are a treasure to me now, that a year ago did not exist. I see many moments of exuberance in God’s creation, by the ocean, in the woods, visits to the Mountains of Vermont, and to the seaport towns of New England, spending time with family and friends. I savor moments with the Lord, when I walked with Him, listening to His Spirit speak, and meditation on his word, and the precious truths I found this year. It’s been a time of learning, a time of healing, a time of deep reflection and stillness, and a time of facing some very painful sad things in my life. These are my jewels that I tuck away to cherish on my journey. For life is a journey, one which will never be perfect or all that we hope. Yet one that can teach us many things, if we open our eyes and look. God is the Potter. We are the clay. We plan our steps, He orders them according to His will. We are not the masters of our fate as so many believe, but the subjects of His creative power and sovereign will.

As I look to the New Year, my goals go unchanged, the ones I have yet to accomplish. I will keep trying, keep striving towards the vision I see in my mind, of who I can become, what I hope for. The Lord is on my side, He is merciful. He gives strength to the needy and to the one who will turn to Him, He upholds with His righteous right hand. All that look to Him, will be radiant and they shall never be ashamed.