I’ve been thinking a lot about God’s grace, His growth work in me and my family as I look back over the last three years. Each January baptized in deep grief and tears.
Is this what was needful to shape me into His fit pot?
2021’s word of the year, Forge was born from an uttered prayer as our son lay in the hospital after a January 1st hazardous ice accident. Trapped for three hours in the freezing cold… too many injuries to relate here… We waited for His direction and mercy and were present, watching to see what God would do… and I am thrown upon the Potter’s wheel.
And in my fear, God was still good.
2022’s word of the year Chesed- God’s tender mercy needful as another January rolled around with a fresh onslaught of grief in the loss of our nephew and grandmother within 24 hours of one another…. And again waiting and listening closely for when to be where and how… Our hearts conformed to tenderness as I felt the pressure of His thumbs go deep.
And in my tears, God was still good.
To this past January 2023, and my word of the year Credence. A unplanned car trip to a Taos hospital where my post stroke father was struggling… Listening, watching, arranging…. God opening doors for a medical transport to an Oklahoma facility near us. My dad’s desire answered, in honoring him we honor God. Then, our table extended to bring dad home to live with us. And the scripture proven true from a house move and sale to our utter dependence on Him each step of the way, “The measuring lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; Indeed, my inheritance is beautiful to me.” Psalm 16:6 The day to day care of my father is my inheritance. I will be His pot for common use.
And in these valleys of weakness, God was still good.
Even with all His answered prayer and faithfulness through this season, I must admit I was probably cringing for most of November and December wondering what January might bring. A well known quote by C. S. Lewis kept springing to mind, “We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.”
Instead of running from the pain of what might happen, I stepped forward and extended an offer to a dear friend to prepare a wedding reception charcuterie table for her upcoming wedding. (It’s this Saturday) I may have cried when she answered, “Please, yes.”
An almost imperceptible weight lifted.
To be honest, it’s still lifting. And God is still good.
My word for 2024 is Unfurl as I desire to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, not rushing ahead, but looking upward, petal by petal unfolding in His presence both in work and rest.
If you are in one of these seasons where your clay is being thrown on the wheel… please know you are not alone, you are in good company.
His.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
Wow. Beautifully written. God allows you to use the comfort and strength He has given you to encourage others. Well done, my dear friend. ♥️