This year in Nashville, the weekend was full of good company and good food. I found the best recipe for rum cider, ate lots of pie, and caught up on books and television. It was a quiet holiday for me, and I'm grateful for it. While in the company of good people, I also was able to find moments of quiet reflection.
I can't remember if I've ever mentioned this song but, here is me, mentioning this song:
Josh Garrels's album Love & War & The Sea In Between is available on Noisetrade. His song Farther Along is one of the better songs I've heard all year.
Farther along we'll know all about itIt's easy to believe that those words aren't true, that the answer to "Why?" will never be answered. I generally prefer worry over rest, and often wonder if redemption isn't just some dream that I keep trying to believe.
Farther along we'll understand why
So, cheer up my brothers, live in the sunshine
We'll understand this, all by and by
My friend David wrote a post this weekend about the changes that have happened in his life over the past 365 days. Looking back over my own last 365 days, I feel a combination of grief and gratitude. It's made me think that maybe the New Year should start the day after Thanksgiving; when we look back over a calendar year with gratitude, and look forward in a spirit of confidence.
I'm a different person than I was a year ago, and this makes me sad and thankful. I'm lonely, but strong. My head is heavy, but it's held high.
Whether you were alone or surrounded by hundreds of loved ones during the holiday, I hope that you have taken time for reflection. I hope that the year behind holds positive memories, but maybe even a bit of heartache. Sometimes our hearts must ache if they are to change.
Happy holiday season, friends. Here's to grief and to gratitude, and their faithfulness to refine us every day.
1 comments:
LINDA: excellent news. A new year DOES start right after Thanksgiving. The church calendar begins with the first week of Advent, which was this past Sunday. Get into it!
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