My reflections are these:
First, I am a VERY blessed man! I have a relationship with the creator and sustainer of the universe who chose to humble himself and become a man. Born into the brokenness of this world to show me how to live and how to give of himself for the sake of others who would neither fully appreciate, or respond appropriately to that sacrifice. I am also blessed by the fact that I have a wonderful wife, Jenny, by my side in life and in ministry who shares so much of herself for my sake and for the sake of three of the most amazing children who have ever lived. They, too, add so much to my life that I cannot begin to express my love for them. I am often overwhelmed by the treasure that God has shared with me in these three little lives that are entrusted to our care. My life is all about God, Jenny and these three precious souls Joey, Ian and Will. That is enough to fill my heart to overflowing.
Add to those blessings the fact that I am privileged to serve alongside some of the most amazing Christ followers I have ever known in the Bethel Baptist Church. Additionally, the past year has brought another team of amazing coworkers into my life through Blessing Hospice. I appreciate being allowed to serve on a team that shows such love and compassion shining some light into what might otherwise be a VERY dark and lonely hour for the patients and families that we serve. Yes, my life is very rich!
I have been given a heritage of faith that I will treasure until I draw my dying breath, and beyond. I am so thankful that like Timothy, in scripture, I had a mother who had great faith in Jesus Christ and her mother before her who not only sent me to church, but TOOK me there to learn the truths of Christ’s great love for me. A virtual host of dear saints of God took me under their wings at various times and in various settings to keep me on the path of faith that has led me to this point in my life. I miss those relationships as not a day goes by that I do not think of my mom and so many other people who have preceded me into the presence of Christ.
Our house is dark and silent as I write these words. The only lights on are the lights of the Christmas tree and the glow of my computer screen. I always get more philosophical in times like this. Yeah, one of the primary thoughts on my mind right now in addition to my recognition of how blessed I am is that I also really miss my mom right now. Christmas was truly special to her and she always became a bit more childlike this time of year, this is a trait she passed on to me and I am passing on to my own children. Mom is celebrating her 7th Christmas in the presence of Jesus this year. I cannot imagine the joy she is feeling as a result of that. But, I also think of what I have not been able to share with her in those 7 years. Joey was 11 months old when mom died and Ian and Will were not even on the horizon yet. I have worked hard to make sure my kids know about my mom and her name is not avoided in my conversations with them. My children are very blessed to have Jenny’s parents living nearby this year and they are a significant part of their lives. (and I am blessed by the best in-laws any man could ever ask for as well). Even so, I always think of my mom and shed tears over what has been lost in my life this time of year. But, one day, we will get to celebrate the birth of Jesus together in his very presence and that celebration will be unending!
So, for now, I sit and I ponder these things, I ask lots of questions to which there are no real answers, I revel in my blessedness, I recognize just how very broken this world is and I yearn for that day when Christ returns to set all things right. In the meantime, I recognize that which I seek to communicate to all who will listen. What we have now, is only a dim reflection of that which is to come. 2000 years ago, in a little country town, in the darkest hour of the night,
“… people living in darkness [saw] a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light [had] dawned.” (Matthew 4:16 NIV)
One day again, we will see the light dawn in a new and more powerful way in our world. Until then, I reflect, I reminisce, and I yearn for that day when Christ will come again into this world! I (as we all are) am a product of my past, and my present and I hunger for that future!
Merry Christmas, My Friends!
