Acknowledging the Ending

Taking down the ornaments,taking a moment to reflect on the changes that came to us this year.  In our home, we choose ornaments every year to add to our tree.  It has been fun to witness what memories each ornament evokes as they are unearthed.  Somehow, putting everything back in storage is less exciting, less glamorous.  Rarely can I find someone to help me box everything back up.  This year, that's OK.  As I put away ornaments, they are reminding me of years past and filling me with gratitude for where we are today.

I put away the Little Women ornaments and think of my daughter.  The past couple of years have been quite tumultuous for her and it is so nice to watch the fruits of healing manifest in her life.

I put away the backpacking, fishing, robot and computer ornaments and am reminded of my son, my little thinker, creating things with Legos at 4-years-old that I couldn't have come up with if I had tried for days.  I remember his first encounter with real, scientific robots at JPL in Pasadena.  Those engineers were rock stars to him.  Now he wants to pursue his fascination with robotics and computers in college.  We say he's scary-smart, but, really, I'm not scared!

I take in the abundance of snowman-themed ornaments and wonder how on earth I became so obsessed with the little guys.  I think about it awhile, then decide I don't really care why.  They make me smile.

More year-end thoughts that become prayers:

Loosening the ties that bind as our firstborn leaves home to further her education.  Lord, thank you for seeing her through a deep valley and for bringing her to a lovely place, both with You and with the people around her who love her so much.


Witnessing the maturing of our second-born into an amazing young man with a brilliant mind. Lord, thank you for giving him such a peaceful spirit. Thank you for the generous and intelligent people you've placed in his life to teach him what he needs to know and what I will likely never be able to comprehend.


Making the tough decision to set firm boundaries with people in my life whom I love, but who's destructive behavior has become toxic.  Lord, thank you for giving me the strength to say, "no more."  Thank you that you are right there by their side, doing whatever it takes to bring them to repentance.  Keep my heart tender to them, constantly praying for them, welcoming them when they return from the wilderness.

Making the decision to live what I believe, not just talk about it.  Lord, thank you for stripping me bare of all the busyness I had convinced myself was ministry.  Thank you for pointing the way to begin to truly glorify You with my life, to make an effort to make disciples, to share Your message of salvation with the world, to pray without ceasing.  You've placed so many resources in my hands and even handed me my first mission trip opportunity.  Thank you for including me in Your most important work!


This year has ended well.  Thank you, Father.  Amen.