The Blessings of 2021
Last week, I spent some time detailing the things that I learned from 2021. ( part 1 or part 2).so I think it appropriate to detail the blessings I received One of the things I detailed that I learned this past year is that God’s grace was even bigger then I could comprehend. I’ve though often of the verse from John 1:5 that says about Jesus “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” When you are in trauma or distress, the darkness seems crushing. You feel alone but many times this year light crashed through that darkness just when it seemed that darkest. So I want to detail out some of the light that crashed through.
1) My family
I’m not the only one who suffered trauma. Janet hurt as much and sometimes more then I did but her resolve never wavered. She never lost faith in me. Never wavered that we were on the right path. She held my hand and kissed my cheek. My kids and grandkids were rays of grace and light. Loving me and encouraging me when I needed it. I am also forever grateful for my extended family, my brother and sisters, my brother in laws and sister in laws, cousins, my aunt Helene and uncle Jim, nieces and nephews, and my son in laws parents, Bill and Chris, who have reached out to strengthen and encourage at just the right moments.
2) My friends
My friends were agents of grace in this past year. Crying with me, encouraging me, joking with me. I do not know where I would be without you. You made the darkness flee. You helped to refresh the soul and show me the possibilities of the new path God had us on and as I look back this year, I see that you were right most of the time. Thank you for dragging me along and helping me find purpose.
3) My Church
I can’t say enough about the people of Hope Community. You have done more then you could imagine to bless me and honor me. What started as 65 people in a living room has now grown to more then 200 in one year is a testament to What God is doing in our midst and you inviting your friends who were looking for something different. 2022 is going to be even better.
4) My job
When I quit the church on December 14, I had no job lines up. I had no idea what I was going to do next. I was offered a job at the Wabash County Health Department by my friend Judy Wissel, who is the administrator. I hadn’t held a job outside the church in 20 years and I was a bit apprehensive but I needed the work. I started December 28, 2020 and it has been a blessing and God dent. The people I work with are the best. People like; Candi, Laura, Audra, Megan, Liz, Barb, Tina, Tristan, Christy, Rhonda, Rachelle, Tonya, Cassie, Nancy and my boss Kendra. These ladies accepted me and made feel at home. I look forward to coming in each day and interacting with these fine people. They have provided laughter, joy and allowed me to heal and to serve them. I have enjoyed each one.
This year really was the embodiment of Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
What I can now say with experience is that if you are going through a hard time, remember it’s only a season and that God will sustain you through it
I will end with a lyric from a song that has ministered to me this year. It’s called Peace of Mind from Above and Beyond. It says;
I lost all the riches, the diamonds in the mind
It turns out that this was the best thing to ever happen to me
Errors and glitches, what a way to find
That such hurt can bring you a greater peace of mind
I am at peace and you can be too. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
