December 28, 2011
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Reflections on 2011
The other day I pulled another bunch of Christmas mail out of the mailbox. Most of them were pictures which we enjoy, but the letters are interesting as well. But what warmed my heart was a little surprise note tucked into one. It was very unexpected but VERY appreciated. Sometimes its the littlest things that can be the biggest encouragement.
Reflecting back on this past year, I have to say it was one of those years that you wish you could somehow erase it. 1997 was one of those years: It started out with a gallbladder surgery for me, then my parents' house burned (my childhood home), to multiple health issues, to misunderstanding and misjudging by our co-missionaries, to Vernon getting his finger smashed off in November. I do not remember how the year ended after that but I do remember "reeling" from hurt emotions, etc.
Especially the misunderstanding and misjudgment. I remember crying and asking Papa Glenn Martin "Where are our supporters?" How many of those who were critical had even taken the time to ask us why instead of flinging accusations. It didn't make sense. I somehow felt betrayed. How my heart ached over that time.
But Praise the Lord, things got better and we survived the attack.
No hard feelings toward anyone and I think in the end almost everyone got a better understanding of where we were coming from, thanks to the gentle spirit of Papa. He definitely had a gift for working with people....how I wish he were still around, I could use his advice right now! Back to 2011. I have to say, its been tough, really tough. With Lavina having her stay in the hospital with pneumonia and our recent wreck in October when we rolled and totaled our wreck and Jonny breaking his leg. Being officially diagnosed with diabetes. (I already knew I had it but having it affirmed by the doctor makes it so that I cannot deny it.) There were other disappoints and heartaches as well that I am not free to tell about. But my heart is aching with a huge ache that only time and prayer will heal.
As I was reflecting, I thought of the little note of encouragement from one of our daughters' friend. Also other letters and cards I received from friends that encouraged me.... have I looked for ways to encourage others like this? Have I become so calloused that another's burden means nothing to me? I hope that I have learned something this year through all we've experienced that will help me be more sensitive others' burdens and heartaches. If I can learn that, then this year will not have been in vain.
PS I am in no way, trying to downplay all the good things that happened to me over this past year. Maybe my next post should be counting all my blessings from this year. Starting with this:
We are all alive and sane. (At least I think so.
) We have a nice warm house to live in.
We have never gone hungry.
I have been able to do a number of projects on my to-do list.
The list could go on and on.....it sums up to this: GOD HAS BLESSED US RICHLY.
I want to take this time to thank all of you, my friends, for your love and encouragement over this past year. You will never know who much I appreciate it. What would I ever do with out friends? God bless you all and I hope you have a great new year.
Comments (4)
God's blessing through the coming year (2012). We don't know what it will hold for us, but we do know God is in control.
@AnnaMast - That's for sure. When I get tempted to be blue, all I have to do is look around....There are ALWAYS someone who has it worse than I do. It so comforting to know that HE is in control.
Thanks for your note.
I appreciate this post and I feel for you. Some years are just HARD. Thankfully life ebbs and flows so not every year is equally tough. But like you said, when you reflect back, some years stand out. I wish you grace that carries you through, especially those heartaches you're not free to share. May 2012 be a time of rest and recovery.
@dorcassmucker - thanks, Dorcas.