Does Time Really Fly?
We all say it…where
did the year go? It seems in a fleeing moment we ring in one year and swiftly
usher it out the next moment with parties, shouts of happiness, dancing, and
balls dropping. Time flies…or does it really?
Our Loss, Heavens Gain…
Reflecting on this
past year brings many happy thoughts and a few sad ones as well. We lost two
loved ones in 2015. Our sweet Nelson Tate, my husband’s stepfather went to be
with the Lord in January. And, in October, our sweet brother, Ken Syfert, also
went to be with the Lord. Both of these men are greatly missed here among
family and friends. Now, a few months later, we are met with the challenge of
my elderly mother-in-law’s health issues and trying to love her and care for
her from a distance. This year has
had its difficult moments. Jesus told us we would have trouble in this life.
None of us are exempt!
Happy Moments Are Grateful
Moments
There have been happy
times to reflect on as well. We have had sweet times with our kids and grand
kids and other family members. What a blessing it is to spend time with family!
I am grateful for every occasion that draws us together and gives us another
opportunity to share life together. My youngest son, Tim and his wife,
Brittany, both turned thirty this year. Wow! I remember when they were sixteen
and falling in love. Now they are thirty and parents to four wonderful
children. Your birthday celebrations were a blast! My oldest son, Jason and
granddaughter, Abby, were both baptized this year. How that touched this mama’s
heart! And while our daughter, Amanda, had to come home for the sad time during
Nelson’s death, it was so amazing to see her and be able to spend a few quality
moments with her.
Friendships
We are fortunate to
have friends that love us and share life with us. We spend time with our dear
Syfert family – Carol, Emese, Blaine, Spencer, and Reece - often and we are
considered “family”! What a wonderful thing God has done in giving us close
friends! I also enjoy my time with girlfriends such as Sunny Bell, Marsha
Randal, Laurie Whittenburg, Shari Gray, Janice McNeil, Anita Almond, Cheryl
Henderson, etc. Thank you ladies for making my life richer!
Two Moves Within One Year
Jim and I have been
through quite a bit of transition since 2014. We sold our home in Waxhaw in May
2014, packed our things, eliminated lots of things, and moved from 2200 square
feet to 832 square feet. This was not
the original plan. If you think God doesn’t have a sense of humor try
living with one bathroom again after you are accustomed to having 2 ½ baths! Needless-to-say, it was an adjustment.
Then, just when we were kind of settled in and had gotten used to the tiny
space, we made a decision to move to a bigger space to eliminate paid storage.
Yep…fast forward to May 2015…we once again packed all of our belongings and
moved a few miles down the road to an apartment with a garage. Listen, this
might sound fun to some of you, but this girl is an old shoe (my husband’s
nickname for me). I don’t like change and yet I have had to make many changes
in the past few years. I am learning that God’s growth process has lots of
surprises along the way!
Enjoy Life Regardless Of
Frustrations
Life has had its
frustrating moments this year. We ate McDonald’s for Thanksgiving Day because
it was the only restaurant opened in Danville, where my mother-in-law lives. We
have had to change plans a few times in order to take care of family issues. Yet,
still, we have had time for fun, for laughter, for sharing family and friends. God
is good and He blesses us when we stay close to Him and trust Him no matter the
circumstance we may be going through. I have learned when I feel stressed or
overwhelmed by situations out of my control, if I take a step back and evaluate what is
really going on, I can focus better on the moment at hand without being
overcome with anxiety. The lord is truly my comfort and my peace. Without Him,
I would be in real trouble!
Whatever Life Brings
As one year closes and
a new one begins, I love to reflect and think about the past. Moments of time
seem bittersweet when you look backwards and savor time gone by. Then, I also
enjoy looking forward to what the future may bring. We cannot see into 2016. We
must walk forward blindly, but we are never alone. The Lord is with us every
step of the way. He guides our steps to ensure that we go where He leads and
when we do stray off the straight pathway that He provides for us; He gently calls
us back to walk with Him. What an amazing God we serve!
Wishing You A Happy New Year
Well friends, in just
a few days we will be welcoming in 2016. My prayer for you as the New Year
approaches is that you will embrace whatever the year brings and that you will
allow the lord to walk your pathway with you and guide you as He desires. May
God bless you in the upcoming year!
