I received this card yesterday from an old blogging friend, one who never forgets me no matter how careless I am in sending forth good will. It is one of my favorite cards received this year.
A challenging year it has been, from a serious car accident involving my son, to two small surgeries for myself, and one for my mother. And these are only the outward manifestations of some inner emotional turmoil. But we are all here, experiencing grace, and I am so grateful.
When things are difficult I am convinced it is for our good. Our bodies aren't nourished on only sweets; our lives are not strengthened by only smooth days. My mother has said to me, "Courage grows strong in a wound." My father has said to me, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." These are the words I live by.
But at Christmas, I also live by these words:
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. (Like me, so many times.)
And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:8-11 (KJV)
And I wish for you good tidings of great joy, of great comfort, and of great hope for 2016. God bless you, each one.