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Seasonal Thoughts
This time of year seems to bring out joy, wonder, sadness, mourning, inspiration, and anticipation more than any other. I have been reflecting over the recent 12 months as a new year approaches – a time of endings and new beginnings.
Among all the lights, festivities, and holiday preparation, I got a phone call that my cousin passed away. She was almost 16 years older than me, but a part of my growing years. She taught me to twist, was glamorous, my big tall older cousin with the big smile and ready laugh. We kept in touch on occasion – my last email from her after the Las Vegas massacre was “We’re fine – we weren’t near the Strip — you can’t go anywhere and feel safe anymore — it’s awful!!” Her sister tearfully called me, saying she was in the middle of life, groceries still on the counter. This time of year can be tough.
I remember a vivid thought that popped into my head unexpectedly, as I was shocked to read of a former co-worker’s passing in the paper and then started to dwell (too long) on thoughts of mortality…. The thought was “Life is for the living.” It was like God was whispering in my ear. I said it over and over. I was immediately reminded of Solomon – the wisest man who lost and gained everything. He said there was a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time for joy in Ecclesiastes 3. I read its timeless message and prayed for my cousin. I needn’t worry. God holds her in the palm of His hand.
Another Star Wars movie was just released – the reviews are in – it’s good, it’s not so good, the greatest movie sequel ever! Yet our president just acknowledged Jerusalem as the official capital of the state of Israel, a known fact to every Jew and most Christians since time began. We have a front-row seat to history being made in the Middle East, far more interesting than any movie.
This past week I’ve seen six shooting stars in the late night sky. As we drove into our neighborhood today, a baby doe stood silently in my neighbor’s front yard while the next-door neighbor hung more holiday lights, unaware. I went out with a cup of coffee early yesterday morning and saw two American bald eagles fly over our neighborhood. I saw them nest in the tall trees along the Choctawhatchee Bay here in Florida only one other time. A symbol of America to remind me – after a politically tumultuous year, our Republic is still intact, and life is all around.
Nature goes about winter quietly in December, while the world prepares for the biggest birthday bash ever known, so, polish the silver, bake the cookies, wrap the gifts, call your loved ones, decorate the house, sing the carols, eat too much, share the bounty, be content, pray and don’t worry, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” — Isaiah 9:6
Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Published in General
What a wonderful, life-affirming post, Front Seat Cat. Thanks so much for posting it, and a timely reminder that time passes, and our lives are finite. Great job.
Beautiful FSC, Merry Christmas , Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas FSC
Meowy Christmas.
You know who ought to know about this post? Well, everybody, of course, but specifically @nandapanjandrum. Around this website, I’ve always thought she is one of the doyennes of faith and of having a warm heart; I bet your words will bring her a smile!
I spent the weekend with my sister who is one year older than me. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 4 years ago at age 59. The gift she gives me is being in the moment. She can not hide her feelings, I know immediately if I’ve done some to make her happy or sad. If the latter she is quick to forgive. The only thing that matters is the here and now. “Today is a gift that is why it is called the present.” Merry Christmas
Thank you, FSC. Blessings to you and yours.
:-)
She is a bright light on Ricochet – that’s for sure!
Wow Maddy – God bless you and your sister and you are right – we miss the present, worrying too much about the past and future – good message.
Wonderfully thought-and-prayer-inducing…Thanks, FSC, for the post – and everyone, for the too-kind words.
It was a song on christian radio that messed with my head, and now I am struggling with the terror of experienced oblivion.
Cried a little! Thank you dear kitty!
Front Seat Cat, thank you for this.
We will go on, with a front row seat, living the daily joys and sorrows of our lives.
We only see our small pieces of mankind’s jigsaw puzzle, not the whole picture.
Even still, Our G-d Reigns…