The Last Day of the Year

It was the last day of the year and I was feeling frazzled. So much to do and not enough time. I had worked late the night before, doing inventory, and badly wanted to sleep in on Saturday.

There was a funeral that morning... an elderly man...long-time neighbor, friend and former employer. I didn't really feel like going and yet...I wanted to go. By 9:30 I was on my way to pick up Mom. We arrived at the church in good time but still the only options were to sit in the balcony or fellowship hall. I chose the balcony, thinking we would have a good view from there. We did...of the ceiling fans. We were 3 rows back and even when asked to stand, the 2 rows of black-suited men in front of us were quite effective in blocking off the view. This DID NOT improve my mood. What's the point of going to a funeral if you can't even see what's going on, I grumbled to myself. This is ridiculous!

But I could hear. And I think I may have put my ears to better use for not having been able to see. The music was beautiful, although I couldn't "see" who was singing. The sermon was inspiring and encouraging, carefully planned out by Eli before his death. Hearing about his life inspired me to persevere in living for God.

As I sat there wishing to "see" I thought of how this is much like life. Very often we can't "see". We don't understand what God is doing. That's where faith comes in. Faith to believe that God is working even when I don't "see" it. And if I open my ears I can hear God in so many ways.

I'm glad I went to that funeral. It helped put things in perspective again. And even though I didn't have time to clean my house or do other things on my list, I still had time for the most important things...spending a couple hours with an aunt & cousin and families who took time to come visit was a pleasure and the New Year's Eve party at a friends was a great way to end the year with sharing and prayer at midnight.

It's been a good year. I feel truly blessed beyond measure by a God whose love never fails.

P.S. Just in case you wonder, I reached my goal of "1000 Gifts" list by the end of the year.