Waiting for the New Year

It's almost 2013. Looking back there are many blessings. After a fire and reconstruction and a year living on the New Meadows river, we are snug as bugs in our rebuilt home. Our aging parents are all doing well.  My relatives in Florida, New England and the mid Atlantic keep in touch. We have good jobs. Our son is into his teens but still has many endearing qualities. Health issues have surfaced and scared me, but God let's me know He is in control and is bigger than my worries.

Kids in my art classes continue to show me their amazing creative skills. I love teaching art. Our church has gone through transition but grows and changes in wonderful ways. Friends stop by (sometimes bearing gifts) and put a smile on my face.

My siblings are all successful and seemingly happy in their various doings. I miss spending time with them since they live far away, or should I say we live far away from everyone up here in Maine!

My good friends in Maryland and Delaware live far, but I feel very close to them still. How many of us can feel so connected after many years go by and our geographical situations don't lend themselves to frequent visits? Thanks to internet, smart phones and airplanes!

Feeling very thankful right now. Many tragic things happen in our world on a daily basis, but in the midst of it all we have things to be grateful for. I am thankful. God is in it all.