Happy New Year! We flippantly say these three words. And the other cliche, “New Year, New You” which usually refers to a physical aspect of change (losing weight or new outward appearance). Yes, the year is new, but are we? See, the number changed from 2020 to 2021, but will we experience any change from the inside that’s visible from the outside?
Read MoreRudolph or Jesus?
What???
I asked the same question when the Holy Spirit gave me this title. How does Rudolph relate to Jesus? The title came after listening and singing along with the song on the radio. Because God hard-wired me this way, it didn’t take much to trigger a comparison, and frankly, with everything going on this year, we need a little fun to lighten up the season.
Our Thanksgiving gatherings will look different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though the number of people sitting around the dinner table will decrease to prevent the spread of the virus, hopefully our thanks will continue to increase reminding us, “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Most tables still will be set with turkey, ham, dressing, macaroni and cheese, rice and gravy, cranberry sauce, casseroles, corn, broccoli, buttered rolls and all the fixings. The dessert menu will consist of pumpkin, potato, and apple pies along with various assortments of cakes and cookies. The main difference may lie in the number of seats around the table.
As I contemplated my physical hole, I thought about all the emotional holes in my heart I’ve experienced over the years. Relationship holes, disappointment holes, mistake holes, bitterness holes, and other hurtful holes. Holes that needed repair, yet required different treatment options. Some needed only minor adjustments in my attitude while others needed a procedure to clamp the hole to keep it from further damage to my body. I’ve also needed outright heart surgery to repair some deep holes of emotional hurt.
The coronavirus evaded our world mid-March and shut the countries down. As the pandemic circled the globe, closures and suspensions followed. The entire sports world came to a halt as spring training and games got cancelled or pushed back. School closings occurred with parents and teachers scrambling to figure out ways to complete the school year and allow graduation ceremonies. Stores and businesses locked their doors affecting the livelihoods of workers and business owners. The entertainment arena faced challenges of how to continue with the various events and shows.
Businesses deemed essential, such as the grocery stores and medical facilities, remained opened. However, they struggled to function “as normal.” Even churches closed their doors as the virus swept through the land putting our lives on hold. March 20th will be a day I remember because my shoulder surgery got pushed up to that day before all elective surgeries shut-down.
We received the call Friday morning, December 20, 2019. “It doesn’t look good…she doesn’t have much time. She’s on a CPAP for a while, but after the doctor removes it, she will have about 12-24 hours.” Our hearts sank as we scurried to pack and make travel arrangements to Columbia, S.C. Upon landing in Charlotte, we picked up the rental car with plenty of time for the hour drive to Columbia and the hospital. So we thought…
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