HOPE IN WINTER

Winter. It’s a time when trees lose their green leaves and fall to the ground. Snow covers the grass that once was growing. Bears hibernate, anticipating new life when it’s time to come out. Warm fires glow in the chimneys of homes all around us. Nights get darker sooner and mornings are more frigid…even in Arizona! It marks the end of life, temporarily, in order to bring new life in the spring. It is also the beginning of a new year, with all the hopes of JOY, Peace on Earth, and change. For me, I have erased my chalkboard and praying for what God has in store for not only me but for others. This will be a time of travel ( a wedding, see my bestie with my other besties, the Ca. mountains for my anniversary) the growth of our sons new venture, and other dreams. But, winter can also be a time to reflect…to see where life was going and maybe where it needs to change. What about you? Do you have hope or have the winter blues? Some are facing life without their spouse, some are still going through chemo, some just lost. One thing is for sure…without Jesus we cannot have HOPE, JOY, PEACE, PURPOSE, or ETERNITY. And to be honest…life isn’t about OUR happiness …it’s about living our lives for the glory of God…seeking to help others to find Jesus..finishing the race God has set out for us. As it says in Matt. 5:14-16 “ You are the light of the world…In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven”. I want to end this blog on the short, but life altering, conversation with my friend Sandy who is battling what was bladder cancer but has now gone to her brain. She decided to go through chemo at over 80+ years …against her family’s wishes and what she told me beforehand. While in rehab I asked her why? Why is she suffering so much when I know she wanted to go to heaven? Her answer? With very little energy, she whispered to me “ God isn’t finished with me yet. There are so many more people to help”. As you go through this winter, reflecting on your future goals, I pray all of us will have the same mindset as my friend Sandy….accepting Jesus and sharing Him with those around you..Sandy, as promised, you are now on my chalkboard for full recovery so you can help allllll those people. Love you friend….,