reflection
Water in the old kettle atop the hot wood stove bubbles as the heat rises to warm the room. Though the sun shines bright today, the cold of winter makes itself known through every crack and crevice that is not sufficiently sealed in this old farm house. The stillness of the morning is a welcomed reprieve from the blustery winds that brought with it subzero temperatures last evening. In the warmth of the morning fire and in the presence of the shinning sun we pause to reflect upon present and past. Challenges have more often than not been turned into opportunities for growth and burdens have been lightened with a healthy dose of gratitude. Healthy reflection often illuminates the light we may often have taken for granted. Yesterday is gone, but reflecting on it in the light of today presents opportunity to brighten our path each step of the way. A thankful heart is the instrument through which gratitude brightens our vision. May we be willing instruments that grow to see the gift of grace as more than mere rhetoric. As we take it in, may we live it out!
Crows caw loudly over the glistening frost laden fields as the last day of the year emerges. The pond reflects the bright glow of the morning sun like a mirror blanketed with a spotlight. Here the year is ending with a sunny but crisply chilly day. The sunshine reminds one of the bright spots during the year now giving way to the new. A migration back to the home of my youth; the acquisition of loving pets; the joy of granddaughter during school breaks; the discovery of a worship fellowship and the opportunity to contribute to a choral team; the marriage of a son to the woman of his dreams; rediscovering the joy of writing and uncovering the reason for a progressive limp are among some of the bright reflections of the year. Only God knows the challenges and victories that lie ahead in the coming year, but in the loving arms of grace each day will be embraced. One can only give thanks for the opportunity that today affords!