CLOSING HOURS


Here we are in the closing shadows of another year-2018.  When I stop to consider how long I have been on this terrestrial ball, it can be quite daunting.  In my memories, it seems like not so long ago when I graduated from High School-1966.  The one thing which makes me stop and consider just how long ago that was is when I tell a young friend that date and they stare at me wide eyed as if I traveled to graduation via horse and buggy.  YES--there were automobiles, running water, electricity, and WOW even televisions of a sort.  And yes--it was fifty two years ago.



As the lights slowly dim on 2018, you all know I am pondering what the year held.  As the ball slowly drops and another year begins, I will put this turn of the calendar page to bed as a great year.  What has made the year great?  I have chosen to dwell on the good-the laughter-the smiles-the adventures-the long walks-the long talks---all those things which were joyful. 



And as for those things which were trying, painful, stressful, heart breaking, I am thankful that God constantly reminds me of His presence by my side--IN IT ALL!  The truth of the matter is in the worst of times--His presence seems to be the closest.  I know He is always omnipresent--but when I am at my weakest--I realize I cannot do this without Him.  It takes the hard--to remind me of His constant presence--even when I think "I've Got This."



With age has come a softening and heightened awareness of Who God is.  I am more able to let go of the hurt and pain life can hold.  With the realization of all He has chosen to forgive me , I am able to put behind me life's pain and tribulations.  What once seemed unforgivable, now seems like a blip on the screen of time.  What once seemed to be life altering, has proven to be the agent for a heightened awareness of who He is.



I have begun to look at the whole and not the minutia of the moment. I am not focusing on the hill I am currently on, but instead the entire mountain range and valleys between of a lifetime.   My life has certainly had ups and downs, but the ups have been far greater than the downs.  And because of the downs, I can really appreciate the joy of the ups.  No, this year might not have looked exactly as I had hoped, and things are certainly different than I planned, but I am still here, I am still being used, I am still growing, and I am abundantly blessed by His Life-Changing Love.  



As for 2019--that is tomorrow and I will address tomorrow when the final bell tolls on 2018.  There are times when the past should be addressed before moving on to the future.  How can we learn from the past, if we do not remember and ruminate upon it.  As for today--I am thankful for you all~thankful for your comments--your ability to cause me to think and stretch.  I am thankful God is giving me another year to seek Him and see His handiwork all around.  It has been a great year--and the best part of that year is each and everyone who has chosen to be a part of my life.  Thank you all.

God Bless You Richly in the Year to Come!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!


13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
 that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

4 comments

  1. So blessed to call you my friend, Lulu! May both of our new years be filled with many more ups than downs, and may we continue to seek God's presence in our every moment.
    Blessings!

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    1. Amen, My Friend! Blessed and Joyful New Year!

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  2. We all have our many ups and downs in life Lulu; especially if we work down the mine or as an elevator attendant. I used to work in the laughter mines; and I tell you, it is hard getting some people to laugh.

    May 2019 bring you good health and great happiness amongst your family and friends.

    God bless you Lulu. You're a treasure.

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    1. What a splendid gift of humor you are blessed with, Victor! Thank you for sharing it with us all!

      May God continue to bless you and yours, Friend!

      Happy & Blessed New Year!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!