I have been just a bit "blue" today. I don't like using the word depressed. But, in the midst of my own confusing feeling today (best way to describe it), I thought I'd share some of what my family and I have done ever since I was a kid. Every New Year's Eve, my parents, brothers, and I would write down the best thing that happened to us that year. We'd also write down the worst thing that happened. Last New Year's Eve, the worst thing that happened to me in 2007 was watching Gracie enter Heaven. However, if I really think about it, if Gracie had made her list, she might have said the best thing about 2007 was meeting Jesus. It's interesting to try and grasp.
So, for 2008, the best part of the year was watching Katie go back to teaching Kindergarten. She's an amazing teacher, and her students are blessed.
The worst part of 2008 was seeing my father-in-law be diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and my father be diagnosed with Diabetes. To see such strong men be told such sad news, it was heartbreaking to all of us.
I have also tried my best to get my finger around being thankful. It's easy to be thankful for everything good that God has given, but it's hard sometimes to be thankful in the tough times. When the condition is not what you want, it's simple to just say, "all right, God, I want it my way now. Enough with your will, I don't like this ride. Let me off."
For example, I am thankful that Jesus gave us four years with our daughter down here. I am not thankful for the cancer, the condition, but I am thankful for Him giving us four years with our little Princess.
As I get frustrated with thinking about the future of my father-in-law and father, it's easy to get bitter. It's easy to say, "God, why this?" But, I am thankful. I am thankful that God has given me two strong men to help me show Aaron how to be a man of God. I'm thankful that Aaron's able to spend time with his grandparents.
When I get overwhelmed with thinking about 100+ sophomores walking in and out of my classroom every day, I am thankful. I'm thankful that He has put me in a position to be an impact in those young lives. I'm thankful that He has given me the ability to teach, to help them see the plans He has for them.
On this New Year's Eve "Eve", I just hope you're thankful. No matter the circumstances, the conditions, the situations, try your best to find ways to thank God for all He's done for us. If you can't find it by looking at your own family or life, then just take a look at the cross. I know you can find it there. Have a wonderful New Year's.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I'm relunctantly waiting for the New Year to begin. Not that I've had a bad '08, but the years don't seem to be getting any better. I'm concerned for the safety of our new President, concerned for my grandchildren's future, concerned for our country, concerned for the darkness that is overshadowing the light. I think our parents and grandparents probably had many of these same concerns. It's humbling to think we can take all our cares and burdens to the same God that not only our parents and grandparents went to, but also Moses, David, Jacob, Daniel, Job, and all those other great men of the bible who went through such perilous times. And so I trust this same God with another new year that is upon us.
I'm thankful for getting to know you and the Chapman's this year. What lovely families you both are. I'm thankful that you have made the decision to adopt. May you have a beautiful year of memories in '09.
God Bless and Happy New Year to you and your family.
Post a Comment