A Time

For several years there always seemed to be something to say, something to write. 

Almost. Every. Day.

It was an unexpected gift, the ability to get out of the way and just let the words tumble out onto the page. And then six months ago everything went silent. After writing Glenn’s obituary, there wasn't really anything to say at all. It wasn't from lack of trying, but the inspiration just seemed to be gone. Instead there came the unexpected gift of wide and open space to grieve, to mourn, to weep, to be. Thanks be to God.

Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is a time for everything.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to throw away;

a time to tear, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

a time to love, and a time to hate;

a time for war, and a time for peace.

I’d add a few to this list:

a time to be lost, and a time to be found;

a time to hang on, and a time to let go;

a time to fight, and a time to surrender;

a time to give away; and a time to receive

a time to be empty; and a time to be full…

And now it seems that it is time to begin to write once again. 

More than anything, I am deeply grateful for all who have surrounded me during these months. I have seen the face of God in your faces! Your courage has become my courage. Your faith has become my faith. Your hope has become my hope. 

May you know God’s richest blessings…you are loved…

grace and peace...cindy

Thanks and Yes

“For all that has been, Thank you.

For all that is to come, Yes!” 

― Dag Hammarskjöld

There’s a lot of press these days about New Year’s Resolutions. It’s that time of year, right? A time when we let up on the gas pedal a bit and cut ourselves some slack. A time of year when we give ourselves permission for a twelve month “do-over”. Facebook, Twitter, television and print ads…nearly everywhere we turn, we are urged to try again in 2015. 

By far the hardest part of resolutions, is choosing ones that are realistic (am I really going to give up sugar?) and will have a long term impact (can I live a healthier lifestyle?). Then comes the big test…sharing those resolutions publicly and without a word, asking for accountability. 

For certain I would like to pray more, give more, eat less, be more active, and sleep better. I think we all would like to do those things. But perhaps there is another way to start the new year other than making resolutions that don’t stick. Perhaps it is in adopting a wider change of attitude that we begin to see change happening in ourselves and in turn impacting our world.

How can making resolutions be “both/and” versus choosing something good over something not so good? How can we make resolutions that are gentle to our soul and spirit and yet are also challenging? How can we make resolutions that stick? 

This quote by Dag Hammarskjöld seems to resonate. How can I be thankful for what has taken place in the past (especially in 2014), and at the same time eagerly look forward to the future? Admittedly it has been difficult not to jump on the “Let’s Kick 2014 To the Curb” bandwagon. Something inside just can’t let go of recognizing that there are many gifts embedded in the journey of Glenn’s illness and subsequently his death. Perhaps gratefulness for the past and welcoming the future is key. 

So here’s to being thankful for 2014 and living in hope and wonder for 2015.

Thank you to all who continue to pray and those who continue to help and care for me. I am so grateful for your presence in my life…let us remember to pray for others who are struggling.

…grace and peace…c.