What 2016 held

 In January of 2016, I wondered what 2016 would hold as I stepped away from serving Laurens Presbyterian to care for my mother who was declining in health.
There was no realization that Mom's death would be so close at hand  or that this 2016 would bring more losses; a beloved aunt, cousin and colleague along with family and friends stricken with grave illnesses.

  While I rest assured that God is present in all of this - my own feelings of loss as these lights move from here to their final destination is exacerbated by  news that macular degeneration is literally leaving me in the dark.  So have a pity party already!!!

Our political debacle - is frightening and frustrating..Rose colored glasses are not a luxury we can afford.  Our Presbytery is bleeding talent, friends have moved - and it is unsettling.  The people in my life (the body of Christ)  they die or leave  the body.  For a moment,  I forget the promise of resurrection and God's gift of new life and then embrace Josie and Louis.  Change and decay gives way to new life.  God is not stopped.

This year our daughter in law blessed us with a new grandson. 2016 has seen a reconnecting  with family members, generosity of siblings. A brief trip to the Lake  was reassuring and comforting. Unintended home improvements  and trip to Vermont have been welcome,  seeing the wonder of God's creation displayed in living color.

 Giving thanks for our oldest  grandson who completed his  undergraduate work in three years. He still manages to be caring, academically astute and COOL!
There is  promise of new life for my sister who is making a bold move for her life.    Pride abounds with a daughter who has done great things for folks with autism in NC developing new camps to expand current services.  For her trip to Japan to share information with others who work with folks with autism.  The cup overflows with a son who creates music and joy while being supportive.  I am further blessed with  a husband who seems to manage everything with unflappable patience and calm.

A trip to Whitney point with a friend was both enjoyable and beautiful - the colors of Fall in the North East are God's hand writing on the landscape- Each year is a marvel;  the magic of color that appears for us to behold! The colors seen out the front window  lifted my spirit and fed my eye.

Fall joys continued with a celebration of our baby's 40th birthday  in NC. A Food Truck with great Mexican Food and Salsa dancing topped the night.  We learned a new way to throw a party from our daughter - in - law who is pretty amazing. We were happy to celebrate this milestone with our daughter, her wife and family as well as their wonderful friends.

  A side trip to Gettysburg on the way back North was an added treat.  More travel for  Thanksgiving in Buffalo, at my sister's. Christmas light display at the fairgrounds and sister out did herself for dinner.   Back to NC for  Christmas. The brightness of Josie and Louis made Christmas cheery - despite the obvious absences.  Funny how the heart can hold both joy and grief at the same time.

John 11: 1-41 A poem  - 

 by Judith A Gage

“Lord My Brother has

four days been dead.

The house of Lazarus

listened to all you said.”

“He loved you,

like a brother true.

Mary and I ,

have done so too.”

“If you had come,

He would not have slept.

He would still live,

And we would not have wept!”

“Jesus can you make the sign

That we are waiting for?

Can you open the tomb

And close death’s door?

“We find in You,

The One annointed.

Is this the time

That God appointed?

“You came back,

Thought priests disdain You.

Yet, all around

The people claim you.?

“If you had come,

He would not have slept.

He would still live,

And we would not have wept!”

“ Now do you

Weep with us?

Or do you weep

 for Caiaphas?

“ Lord I know

God answers you.

What ever you ask

God will do,”

Then He said,

“First, believe,

Resurrection and Life,

 Is what I weave.”

“Yes Lord, I believe.

You are the One . . .

The One who

For all has come!”

“ Mary Go quickly!

He asks for you.”

But . . . all the people,

What Shall I do?

Mary knelt

again at His feet,

and Martha’s words

then did repat:

“If you had come,

He would not have slept.

He would still live,

And we would not have wept!”

Jesus asked, “Where is he?”

Those weeping said,

“Lord, here’s the ave,

Come and see.”

Moved to tears,

Jesus prayed

“Biut Lord the smell;

He’s been dead four days!”

“Take away the stone!”

“Lord what is this you do?!

You call his name?

He answers you!”

Lord Jesus,

How can this be?

How from death

Can  you set us free!

“It is God’s Glory

That you see

I am the Resurrection

And the Life said He.