Seasons Change...and So Does Life

You know how it is. You bump shoulders everyday with people who ask, "How are you?" If you are like most of us, you lie and answer "Fine." Fine. Fine? What does that even mean?

"I am well."

"I am happy."

"I am hurting."

All of these responses are telling, but fine -- what does that really mean?

I've struggled the past couple of months with this question. Fine just doesn't answer the question for me anymore, and yet most people aren't really interested in my life, they are just being polite.  So....I have begun to answer saying, "Life has been tough, but spring has begun, and we are leaving winter behind."

Winter was filled with injury, physical sickness, and death. Jeff fell hiking on the A.T. and tore his patella tendon and had to have extensive surgery. Jorjanne and I both suffered from illness. One of my closest friend's lost her mom and then Jeff's mom passed away as well. Winter brought great pain -- both physical and emotional. Winter was bleak; it was a time of darkness...but praise be to God that spring has come!

As we look forward to the warm temperatures and specks of color to dot the landscape, we know that spring is not possible without winter. Without death, there is no life. Unless a seed dies, new growth does not occur. The same is true spiritually. Apart from the death of Christ, eternal life is not possible.

As I enter this new season, I am grateful that seasons change. The pain of today does not imply pain for tomorrow. The heartache from grief, though raw in winter, will eventually give way to healing.

James tells us to "Consider it pure joy when we encounter various trials." May we learn to choose joy!!

Describe 2016 with One Word - GO!

One word. This was the challenge.  This morning I asked my Facebook friends to describe 2016 in one word. Many were heartwarming and made me smile; others hurt my heart.  How would I describe 2016 -- complete.

In 2016 I completed my dissertation; I completed the PhD program and graduated. I completed the national mental health counseling examination and achieved several longstanding goals.  Jorjanne finished driver's ed and completed her third high school drama performance. Jeff completed two thru-hikes as well as his first song-writing conference.

The election -- well praise God it is complete!

Several people I know and love completed the race this year; they fought the good fight and won the prize. I am grateful for the honor knowing some amazing people (I started to list them here but there are so many...suffice it to say we lost some "greats" this year.

In a few hours the year itself will come to both an end and a beginning. A new chapter.  I look forward with great anticipation to what 2017 will bring.

So what is your word?