Resplendent Rejoicing Rises

My emotions rise and fall with roller coaster like vengeance as I press through my days, my television silent to silence the noise of media in the wake of evil.  Even turning from internet cacophony, I find myself moving in sifted numbness through my days towards Christmas celebrations.  I am not without hope; my family distant from the event, moving forward in 'normalcy'.
 
This soul rejoices in reflection of another year blessed by the hand of our LORD.  Carrie and I have experienced a fullness of deeper ministry and life as we continue together along the path of life before us, and, we look forward to what appears ahead.

Pondering highlights, my trip to Croatia and Bosnia was shared and blessed with provision of friends and family; successful and fun.  As we look ahead, I am thankful that Carrie will join me, as together, our shared skills as a couple will grow to benefit those there.  Our ministry as part of our church has grown also, her in woman's ministry, mine reaching a point where licensing and part-time staff work will start in the new year.

As I headed off to Croatia and Bosnia my father was starting diagnosis and exploration in what turned out to become pancreatic cancer.  Multiple procedures and finally a near death pancreatectomy surgery brought us to a point of great angst, with God's miraculous intervention in our hour of need.  As we look ahead, we are thankful that he is doing well, our family still in tact for another Christmas season, and year ahead.

Great joy, blessing and warmth also rise within our hearts as we ponder the year of growth in our grandson, his mom and dad as they raise him.  It was two Christmases ago when we were stunned with joy at the announcement of his birth, bringing joy to what had been a challenging year for our family, my mom diagnosed with cancer, surgery and chemo to soon follow.  He was the boost and remains so to our family, his soon infectious laughter, endearing heart and loving nature continues melting our hearts when we are around him!

Finally, celebrating 30 years of married togetherness, Carrie and I embarked on a Hawaiian adventure to O'ahu and Mau'i to visit relatives and enjoy some much needed rest and recovery.  My aunt, having a ministroke when we were there, allowed us to care for her as we rushed her to hospital and experienced the most rapid recovery with her return home before we left, she, making us leis on our day of transition to Mau'i, the recharge part of our trip.

I suppose it should seem evident that through much trial comes deeper appreciation and rejoicing.  Our marriage, our family, our lives of service have met with many obstacles and serious challenges as we press forward in life.  Perseverance and love invested together with those we love at the hand and mercy of our God we love moved us together through the trials to celebrations.  We arrive with deep appreciation as we are carried to the other side of trial.  With out such trials, appreciation would not garner its fullest depth nor richest revelry.  We often seek absence of trial, yet it is the working through trial which brings great reward.

No one likes the idea of struggle.  No one seeks it.  Yet as it is unleashed we find ourselves either overwhelmed without hope, or brought to our knees before our God of hope for His provision and blessing to eventually fall upon we undeserving children.  And because we ask, He shows us the way through.  I do not know about you, but I find myself continually amazed at His care, His love for us, His response to our broken hearts as we work our way through life and living.  Does this make sense to you?  Do you find that resplendent rejoicing rises from tumultuous turmoil?  I suppose you know where I stand.