Several years ago a friend gifted me with a door hanger in the form of a chalkboard cross. I hung it on our basement door, and in January of every year, I write a scripture reference or statement for the year on it. It stays for the year (usually, 2020 was an exception).
For 2021, I wrote.
He is for you, and He knows what He is doing.
What a year to cling to that!
In August, we learned of three men who entered the hospital with COVID, and not one of them is fully recovered today as I type this in December. All have had scary scary situations leading to legitimate fear amongst their loved ones that they would not survive. The one closest to us is home with his family now, and we continue to pray for his lungs to fully recover. He went into the hospital on August 2nd and finally got to return to his children in early December. His wife was a rock, sending out prayer points and spending her days at his side as much as protocols allowed her to.
Just days after our friend got released from rehab, my husband's hometown was utterly destroyed by tornadoes. We learned of the horrors from afar as people begged others to check in on Facebook when trying to account for friends and neighbors. Andy made it there to drop of supplies and offer hugs and support. He said you can't grasp the scope of a town almost gone from the storms from merely seeing the pictures. The residents are supposed to get their destroyed homes to the curb so that they can be hauled off, but that will require heavy machinery with telephone poles and trees down and in the way. Andy is not sure this community will come back. He figures many will resettle elsewhere.
I can barely stand to listen to the news as it is just so grim all the time.
My job has dramatically changed in such a way that I don't believe I can stay, and that has been difficult and really painful. I have really grieved the situation as I prepare to let go of an almost 29 year career that I loved for 27 of those years.
However, there have been real highs this year. Love poured out on those hurting communities warms the heart. I have three kids experiencing really great things. They are mostly past the COVID protocols. Wyatt graduated high school and started college, an experience he is truly enjoying. Savannah finished her master's degree and took a job that she loves. Julia started her senior year as class president, and she is really shining in that role. She has chosen a college and locked in a room and roommate.
As we wrap up this year and prepare our hearts to welcome our Savior, I am pondering all the hard that this year has been and trying to rejoice in all the good. I am trying to remember that despite it all He is indeed for us, and He knows what He is doing!
