As I went through my day today I was reminded several times that this is the last Christmas season, at least for a while,we will be in Minnesota. The last Maple Grove E Free Women's Christmas Dessert I will decorate a table for, the last Spectrum High School Christmas Concert Brad will sing in, the last winter in the cold (well that's not such a bad thing) and the last time I will decorate this house for Christmas. A season of lasts is what I thought about.
But then as the day went on I thought about the new beginnings we are going to experience in the next year. The first summer on the field serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Brad's first year of college and our granddaughter, Analise's first year of school. Walking into a new church for the first time again and all those people I have yet to meet for the first time. And that permeated my thoughts later in the day.
There is a time and season for everything. Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is "a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance". The time to tear down will probably be the first disaster we respond to and a time to build will be that first home we are able to put back together for someone...but first we need to break down our own home here in Minnesota and then build a new home in Louisiana. We are not literally building a home but it takes more than bricks and mortar to build a "home". Anyone that knows me knows that "a time to weep" could be about anytime! But I imaging the weeping this next year will be tears of sadness as I say good bye to so many friends in Minnesota when we move. And a time to laugh..well that will be the times of remembering all the good times we have had and the joys that the Lord has brought into our lives. And a time to mourn. We will mourn our "home" in Minnesota. Not the bricks and mortar home but the home that others have built through their friendships that really have been our safe haven for years. And a time to dance. I will be doing the happy dance when I see people complaining on Facebook about the first snow and how cold it is outside!
In all seriousness, we all have seasons in our lives that are good and seasons that are bad. Jesus Christ was sent to this earth to bridge the gap between us and God the Father during all the times of our lives. We all make mistakes and go through difficulties. How awesome is it that we can all receive the gift of Jesus' saving grace from our Father this Christmas season or in any season of your life? Have you received and accepted that gift? Is it your season to mourn or is it your season to dance? Experience the joy that is Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior this Christmas! Come dance with me!
Blessings,
Jackie
