Thursday, January 20, 2011

Plans


It is a good thing to schedule and plan. We count weeks then days until special events and vacations. Such was our exercise the past few weeks as we anticipated a brief trip to Arizona this week. Anticipation can either be thrilling or exhausting. But...it builds and grows until the realization of the event. Tuesday was a busy day, full of work and preparation for the next day’s departure. However, all our planning could not change what happened late in the afternoon.

Steve fell down a flight of stairs after a mid afternoon appointment. It was obvious that he had been hurt, and a trip to the Emergency room confirmed that he had a fractured left clavicle (collarbone). Wednesday, instead of boarding a jet, we were in the orthopedic surgeon’s examination room, looking at Steve’s x-rays. The doctor is hopeful that with a brace, sling, and time, the bones will heal without surgery. Steve is very sore and disappointed to miss the Barrett Jackson car auction. But, we are very thankful that his injuries were not more severe considering the distance of his fall.

We also were reminded that even the best laid out plans are subject to change. We are ultimately not in charge.

Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil.
James 4:13-16

We will trust in the God who sovereignly works in the midst of all circumstances. We pray for complete healing for Steve’s collar bone, and we give thanks that Steve was not hurt worse in his fall.

And...we hope that next January, Lord willing, we can travel to Arizona

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

For the New Year...

A new year has dawned, swiftly it seems. As time passes and the line between one year and another is crossed, one's thoughts can naturally tend toward either regret of things past (unaccomplished goals) or anticipation of what's to come.

Yesterday, while visiting with a friend over lunch, we were discussing the year past and our goals and dreams for the year 2011. In the midst of the conversation it was clear that she had a neat perspective of looking forward into the new year. Her phrase echos in my mind a day later..."the new year is a time to push the 'reset button'."

Truly, we do celebrate the year that has passed...the faithfulness of God that sometimes is best seen in the form of remembered blessings and clear evidences of His leading and providence. We give thanks for the love of family and friends that He has lavished upon us. And we realize in a deeper way how He is near to the brokenhearted...blessing even those who mourn...promising joy which comes in the morning.

I have found that the beginning of a new year is a grand opportunity to 'reset' and prayerfully wait upon the Lord to speak into my heart His will and vision for my life in the next 12 months. I am so thankful, too, to begin year 4 of going through the Bible with the Daily Audio Bible podcast. The story of scripture...and the journey that we are all a part of, is clarified more each day by time spent in His word. Below, my goals for 2011 are best articulated by scripture:

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NIV

Forever grateful for the 'reset' of each new year...