This year

This has been one for the books, this year.  I'm overwhelmed to tears when I think of all the emotion, all the uncertain steps, all the pushing through that was required.

Don't misunderstand.  I'm overwhelmed too by Gods grace and blessing in each moment.  My family is safe, my children are fed.  We are clothed in comparative luxury. We live in my dream home.  I am not complaining.  Im simply acknowledging that had I known all that the last year was to hold on October 12, 2016, I would have...

I'm not sure what I would've done.  But it seems to me a grace, a blessing, that the future - good or ill - is a mystery.

This year for me has held hard things: shock, trauma, physical struggle, occupational questions, lives rent in two that were never meant to be, upheaval, exhaustion, illness, addiction, even death.

Praise Him that these last 365 days are past.
Praise Him that I had the privilege to live them.
Praise Him that I never have to live these particular days again.
Praise Him that hope springs eternal, and His mercies are new every morning.
Praise Him that through it all, He never changes.