The following series of blog posts (10 parts) is a letter which was snail-mailed to some family and friends on October 5th, 2017. It will come to you, my far-away reader, a few months later. May you be encouraged and reminded you, dear one, are not alone.
I’m not sure where to start with my story-sharing. In many ways I wish it would be me, breathing deep, unlocking some original unblemished dreams there once were but… not this time.
January 1, 2016 — Standing, albeit in pain, but standing. I am rail-side, grey planks beneath my feet upon this old, but kissed with life, porch. I peer out across the acres and I exhale. These acres are special, so very special. They hold songs of sweet birds and gurgles from the herons. There’s wind within the willows and bubbles rising up from the brook. We, this flock of ours, were brought here by the divine goodness and hand of God. He brought us to these acres so that every day, I would have an opportunity to praise Him.
Praise Him for His never-failing love, His promise to renew and restore, His purposeful plan. I praise Him for His higher ways, His perfect provision, and for His providence in all things. He knew I needed this. He didn’t have to provide in this way, but He did, and I have praised Him every day.
With that being stated, Ryan and I both acknowledge the year 2016 as being one of the most difficult years of our lives. For those that know me well, we (and I, even before the “we”) have had some hard years. Here we are in 2017 and it too, has been full of its own challenges. May I also make known, here and now, how it is proving to be a blessing, in these two significant ways…
I am standing now, and with NO pain. The spinal fusion surgery was a success and as long as I am no fool, this should remain a gift to my physical body, which then is a gift to ALL of me AND those around me!
Ryan has declared this will be his last stretch in public accounting, Lord willing, accounting period!
Next, I’ll shed some light upon some of the unknown we are yet in as a result of our walking in obedience to Jesus. For those of us journeying with Jesus let’s keep in mind and heart He has promised us freedom!