My family and I had a wonderful Christmas and New Years. The contrast from last year to this year was amazing. It was such a relaxing and joyful time unmarred by drama and chaos...we remarked on it so many times that it became our motto "It's so much more Christmas-y this year!"
Last year, although I didn't blog about it, was wrought with drama and was marred midway by sadness and anger and then progressed into release and freedom. (The particulars aren't necessary, just the message) Holy Spirit took our family on a path that required death of self, forgiveness (for our hearts' benefit) and eventually release. We as parents were forced to introduce the harsh truth of what happens when someone you have loved and trusted breaks that and heads into rebellion and deception. We were completely honest with them about the sin that had happened and the things that followed. It broke all of our hearts. And we said "goodbye" to that relationship. This all happened as we were also saying "goodbye" to GreatGrandma. It was a very difficult time.
But, as all paths do, there finally came a bend in the path, it started leading us into different areas of freedom. It reminded us that we have to guard our hearts against sin and yet still be hopeful for redemption for those who are walking terrible paths by choice. It encouraged us to cling to truth and honesty, to look for the fruit of the person and not the words of their mouths. It provided a practical lesson for our children, that you must side with truth and The Word at all costs, regardless of rejection and sentimentality (Sometimes people that we love will do very bad/wrong/sinful things and we must be willing to stand for truth regardless of the world's stand on it) It also allowed us to teach them that we can line up with those in truth even if it is the unpopular choice and come out better for it.
As I sat at lunch with my family I reflected on the path of the past and the message that our pastor gave at church today I had such a deep sense of peace for the coming year...free of the toxic issues of last year, removed from the drama and stress and happily engaged in a life full of peace and joy. And I proclaim "The Best is Yet to Come!"
Last year, although I didn't blog about it, was wrought with drama and was marred midway by sadness and anger and then progressed into release and freedom. (The particulars aren't necessary, just the message) Holy Spirit took our family on a path that required death of self, forgiveness (for our hearts' benefit) and eventually release. We as parents were forced to introduce the harsh truth of what happens when someone you have loved and trusted breaks that and heads into rebellion and deception. We were completely honest with them about the sin that had happened and the things that followed. It broke all of our hearts. And we said "goodbye" to that relationship. This all happened as we were also saying "goodbye" to GreatGrandma. It was a very difficult time.
But, as all paths do, there finally came a bend in the path, it started leading us into different areas of freedom. It reminded us that we have to guard our hearts against sin and yet still be hopeful for redemption for those who are walking terrible paths by choice. It encouraged us to cling to truth and honesty, to look for the fruit of the person and not the words of their mouths. It provided a practical lesson for our children, that you must side with truth and The Word at all costs, regardless of rejection and sentimentality (Sometimes people that we love will do very bad/wrong/sinful things and we must be willing to stand for truth regardless of the world's stand on it) It also allowed us to teach them that we can line up with those in truth even if it is the unpopular choice and come out better for it.
As I sat at lunch with my family I reflected on the path of the past and the message that our pastor gave at church today I had such a deep sense of peace for the coming year...free of the toxic issues of last year, removed from the drama and stress and happily engaged in a life full of peace and joy. And I proclaim "The Best is Yet to Come!"
1 comment:
Yes, it is!
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