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Glimpses of God
In every ordinary life, an extraordinary God reveals himself in large and small ways. This is nothing new. Paul wrote long ago, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:20
Looking back at 2008, I clearly see that, although each page was as empty then as the 2009 calendar is now, somehow, I managed to fill each and every day.
Admittedly, some days weren't spent on anything that will last, just the ordinary tasks of an ordinary person on ordinary days.
But, in looking back, I clearly see God's hand of providence, protection, intervention and patient loving kindness in ordinary events and in the extraordinary events of the year.
As a nation, we endured a seemingly endless presidential campaign, an ever-worsening economy, and from coast-to-coast, weather extremes that gave us pause.
An unexpected family illness found us in Denver for several days in March, where we were grateful for our "Nebraska Free Pass" plates in the hectic traffic. When we saw the Nebraska: The Good Life sign at the state line, Danny and I both breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Our daughter and her family moved to Bertrand at the end of the summer, changing their lives and ours in the process. Before their move, we could count on seeing Lisa, Aubrey and the little ones in any imaginable combination at least a couple of times a week. Not so much anymore. But the move did get us out of McCook city limits a few times and as frequent readers know we seldom see the edge of town in any direction. We even made it all the way to Bertrand for Luke's second birthday party.
On the job, I met new people, the first female rector at St. Alban's Episcopal Church for example. Mary Hendricks entered pastoral ministry after decades in education and left behind the warmer climate of the Southeast to return to her Nebraska roots. Judy Wortley opened her door and her heart to share her story of faith and forgiveness.
The year wasn't without its good-byes, either. We said good-bye to Miss Flora Dutcher, who I first met at First Baptist Church. I enjoyed her annual Dutcher family reunion write ups for years and had the unique opportunity to interview her on her centennial year in January. She died in April. Elaine Mizell, one of my first club note ladies, died in January. She was always a joy, and was my first "gifter," sending me bath oils as a thank you for deciphering her club notes.
I also learned some of the history of Peace Lutheran Church celebrating 100 years of God's grace, and enjoyed playing dress-up again for An Evening for Hospice.
I watched and chronicled the progress and, sometimes the lack thereof, on the Lucero's Habitat for Humanity House on West Fairacres throughout the year. Weather, supplies, a lack of workers, all conspired to delay the house construction. The original story about Eric, Jessica, Anthony, Adryan and Neveah ran Oct. 25, 2007. As I write this, it is still unclear if they will inhabit the house before the calendar changes again.
Our humane society was involved in two puppy mill rescues, one where the poor animals were in such awful condition some had to be euthanized and another, where the life circumstances of the owner had overwhelmed him and he relinquished his animals before they could come to serious harm.
I wrote on any number of subjects in this forum through the year, my ninth year writing Dawn of a New Day, and in meeting yet another new person, Adam Spanier, expanded the column to a weekly radio broadcast on KNGN 1360 AM.
Blank pages again wait to be filled. Will 2009 see a turnaround in the economy? Will we see an end to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan? Will Israel find a lasting peace? Will the new president fulfill all of the expectations of those who helped elect him? Will the 2012 presidential campaign begin Jan. 22?
No one can say. A quote attributed to Thomas A. Kempis reminds us that "Man proposes, but God disposes." James cautioned early believers not to assume too much, but to leave room in their lives and plans for the will of God in James 4:13-15.
I don't know what 2009 will bring. Perhaps it will be just another ordinary year. Perhaps not. One thing is certain. We'll find out together, and we'll find out, one day at a time. Take care, however, how you fill those empty pages. Remember we will all be called to account. And don't miss your glimpses of God. They're more common than you might think.
"This is what the Lord says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'" Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
Things you won't see in heaven:
Wrong turns
Audio from KNGN 1360 AM: