My heart is full right now and I’m not sure why.
Maybe it’s having my whole family around me for the first time in a long time. The holidays do have a way of creating these special moments.
Maybe it’s the moments sitting and talking around the fire. (Maybe it’s the fire that we don’t often take the time to build and enjoy except for times like these.)
Maybe it’s the rain that’s been falling steadily now these three days – so unusual for southern California. The constant rattling of raindrops on the gutter outside my window is somehow a soothing reminder that we are not alone on this planet. Someone is there, rattling our lives, soothing our sorrows, engulfing us with his presence.
Maybe it’s remembering that a God we could never picture, fathom or understand actually came down to our level and joined the human caravan so we could see him, touch him, talk to him, record his words, debate his existence, and do whatever else we need to do to find him out and ultimately believe.
Maybe it’s imagining all that wonder embodied in a tiny, vulnerable baby who can’t get his own food, can’t clean up his own messes, can’t talk or walk, can only eat, sleep, and cry. Imagine the God of the universe in such a state. What a strange and wonderful thing. Who could have thought up such a story other than God himself?
Maybe it’s because of a groundswell of bedrock belief in my heart that God will provide, in whatever way he chooses, but he will provide what I need to be who I was intended to be, and he will do the same for you.
Maybe it’s really all of these things. Like I said, my heart is full.
John Fischer The Catch 
Apparently….you have never had a spouse die after 36 years of marraige.
No I have not. We have been married for 36 years but I cannot even imagine your grief. Perhaps someone else reading this can help.
Linda,
Never could there be the right words to express how sorry we are for your loss and, no, we cannot imagne the pain that you and members of your family are experiencing. This season is a diificult time for so many people. It seems the gladdness and joy are often combined with the sorrow of death and the living memory that never fades. We hold you in our hearts, Linda.
Marti
God is doing so many things in the lives of believers. With your plans for 2011 and the things going on at our church, one can see God’s hand. 1 Chronicles 4:10 begins the Prayer of Jabez. He prays to “increase his territory” and that is what is happening with your ministry and our church.
To God be all the glory!
Christmas a season of Contrasts. My two grown children, spouses and grands came yesterday for a joyous celebration of church, gifts, dinner and warm feelings. By contrast my younger sister sits at one daughter’s sharing time, trying to piece together a gathering with the other two and get some semblance of family time. It would be better to share 3 diff times and let there be peace. It is not fair but peace on earth takes new meaning in some family gatherings.
How very well said