A Sunrise

Hey all!  Hope you are keeping warm on these frigid December days and enjoying the beauty of the Christmas season.  I know I already put up a post, but I wanted to share a couple thoughts with all of you before I pass the baton on to the next writer :-).

On the day before Thanksgiving, we closed the doors to our lumberyard, KAL's.  My dad had worked there for about 24 years and my sister for 2-and-a-half, so that place was like a part of our family.  The economic recession had just made it too difficult for our small business to keep up, so we had to say goodbye. 

We really have no idea what the future will hold.  Some days, I'm tempted to think of this season of our lives as a season of sadness and confusion.  Sometimes it feels like we just watched a bittersweet sunset, and now we're lost--wandering through the darkness with no idea where we're going or what will happen when we get there. 

But the grace of Jesus Christ keeps me from feeling that way for long.  God has been so faithful in providing for our every need.  He's provided odd jobs here and there for my dad to work on in this season of waiting.  He's provided wonderful family and friends to support us and pray for us.  And best of all, He's provided the peace of knowing that He is in control.  The same God that sees when sparrows fall and clothes the flowers of the field is the One who planned our days long before we were born.

I still go through moments of worry and forget to trust in the Lord.  But most of the time, I just feel excited. And thankful.  Because my God is able to do immeasurably more than all I could ask or imagine. 

So I'm choosing to view this season in a different light.  I think it's like watching the horizon just before the sun comes up.  You never know exactly when it's coming, or how it will transform the sky.  But you know it will rise. And it will be worth the wait. 

Above is a picture of a sunrise that Julie captured out our kitchen window a couple of months ago.  They say a picture's worth a thousand words, and this one really sums up my thoughts tonight.  

I know a lot of you are going through some major changes and making big decisions these days.  Take courage, my friends!  We serve a mighty God.  Commit your days to Him.  Let Him lead you with His infinite love.  Choose to see this season as the prelude to a sunrise, and then sit back to watch as God paints a beautiful picture in your life.

Much love,

Amy