The year of 2013 has come to an end. At its beginning, we never could have envisioned the things we would encounter throughout its course. It was quite a year.
I know God was with us each step of the way.
The past couple of weeks have been busy. Trent's memorial service was on Dec. 20th. So many people, both near and far away, showed great love and support.
Immediately following, we were busy with preparations for Christmas. I kept things as simple as possible. Christmas Eve, we attended church together; and Christmas Day, the four of us had a nice, quiet day at home. It has been good to be back together.
Today, I returned to the 2-year-old Children's Church class. I've missed 'my kids'. I have worked in this class for almost 16 years. Trent and I used to work it together. I wasn't sure how it would feel going back in there, but it felt good -- good to be back in a place of ministry.
I have been asked a couple of times how life feels now. I don't have an answer for that question. There is no doubt that life is different now; but the fact is that our lives have been so far removed from 'normal' for so long that there just isn't a comparison. Life is just life - one day at a time. There have been several adjustments -- and there will be many more. We will face each one as it comes.
We are still working on establishing that 'new normal'. This week, school will resume, and I think it will be good for the kids to get back in that routine.
Through everything that 2013 was, I am thankful for the ways that God revealed Himself to us. He worked in our lives in a big way. I hope that we learned the lessons He had for us. I hope I will always remember His Presence and Grace and Peace that He afforded us.
I don't know what 2014 holds for us, but I don't worry about it. I know that God has a plan for us for this coming year. I pray we will be open to His leading in our lives. I pray God allows us to be a blessing to others this coming year as so many have been to us.
