"The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater." Perhaps it would have been better to begin with a Scripture passage or inspirational verse, but the above quote from the Lothlorien elf Haldir from Tolkien’s “The Fellowship of The Ring” seems to aptly capture the essence of our past year.
For those of you who have asked, I'm taking a Facebook break, other than some picture posting for the out of state family. I'll re-evaluate in a couple months. This first post will not be a long one; just a little reflection on 2016. What was 2016 like for you?
Our 2016 found us living in southern Pennsylvania, a place I never imagined in a million years that we might live, surrounded by more plain people than you can count. So much has happened in so little a time. A new house, a new job, a new church family, a new baby, etc, etc. Getting 3 feet of snow in a day and being unable to get up and out our farm lane to go see our baby boy laying in the NICU while doctors talked about possibly transporting him to Hershey or York for a transfusion (thank God for amazing neighbors with 4x4 trucks). Getting used to a more independent, hurried and less friendly Yankee culture (as opposed to Virginia and the rest of the South). Making new friends, trying to stay in touch with old ones.
Watching my 4 and 2 year old playing together, and the almost 1 year old (our first kid NOT in the 10th percentile of everything) trying to keep up. Trying to answer all of the 4 year old’s questions and learning again and again that I don’t always have all the answers. Being patient with the 2 year old and discovering the good intentions underneath his stubborn will.
Trying to ignore the insanity of the Clinton vs Trump election debacle. Witnessing international upheavals. Monitoring Christian persecution and often wondering at my responsibilities. Watching friends make major life changes, some positive, some not so much.
A few quick trips to Virginia, a long weekend in GA at Tom and Betty’s Georgia cabin with friends, a wedding and conference in Indiana. Months of house hunting with Harold Burkholder. Changing occupations again. Unexpectedly parting with a necrotic gallbladder, with a few days in the hospital. Nearing completion on my book.
Getting two different night time calls from a husband and then a dad that two close friends had died unexpectedly (separate occasions), one a wife and mom, and the other a son and brother. Helping to bury those friends and watching as others stepped up and reached out to their families. Starting to text those friends and then having to remind myself that there’s nobody on the other end now. Watching two other kind, gentle, and godly older men pass away from cancer (apparently I’ve hit the stage of life where old people become just as dear of friends as do those our own age).
Buying and moving into a new house, and having friends step up to help above and beyond. Going to California for Christmas (too rushed as always), spending time with family. And so much more…
Of all the years, I really think 2016 possibly been the most trying. Many of the highlights seem to be challenges or difficulties, and yet it was not a bad year, just a tough one. Difficult and emotional at times, nerve wracking and exhausting at others (but really, who sleeps when your kids are 4, 2, and 1 yrs old anyway?). In some ways, 2016 was a year of tears more than of laughter, but without tears could we ever truly appreciate joy? Psalm 30 says that joy comes in the morning - in between some of the tough highlights are all those beautiful moments of friendship and family and learning and new experiences, and yes, joy. We are blessed.
And now we have been given another year. What it may hold, we can only imagine, but God is still faithful. And we trust Him. Until next time, a blessed New Year to each one.
