This year's story- love, loss and joy

Well- if my share of 2011 was to be published as a novel it would be a mixture of love, loss, inspiration, joy and maybe a little mystery.  

I had eagerly awaited the blank pages of each month of 2011, wondering what chapters would be written. Now that the year is nearly over, I have to say it has been one of the most difficult in recent memory. But it can also be described as rewarding, thought-provoking, faith-building, educational and joyful. 

One thing the past year taught me is to not take people and their time on earth for granted.  Actually, I have become increasingly aware of that over the last few years as the number of people going to their heavenly reward seems to be increasing. I mean people close to my age and younger as well as older friends and relatives. As a person of faith I take comfort in believing they are in a place of peace and comfort with no pain and suffering, no illness and no problems.  But they are missed… 

There was also joy this year. Renewed family ties are priceless. 

Those who read my blogs know that I like to talk about the gifts we are all given. Another lesson hitting home is to really appreciate the gifts of others.  Everyone has gifts; some are more subtle than others.  It reminds me to cherish each person for who they are.  Some may not love us as we think they should but in reality they love us with all they have. 

I also found out that my faith is strong enough to carry me through really tough times. And I learned that my faith makes an impression on other people- at least they tell me so. I know that many people care enough to pray, and that prayers can truly be felt.  Sometimes prayers are answered as we want, some are answered but not as we hope. But always- prayers are a gift to be given and received.  

I was reminded of the joy of a smile- especially an unexpected silly grin. I was reminded of the joy of a kiss- especially an unexpected silly kiss.   A more profound reminder is that sometimes the most mundane and even undesirable “chores” can be a gift and an act of love on both sides- from the gifter and the giftee.  (Sometimes being able to accept something being done is more difficult for a person than doing it for someone else.) 

The mystery is why things happen as they do. But that is an answer that most likely remains unanswered in this life.  

The year of 2012 is just a few days away- what will it bring? Only time will tell… 

Secrets One - The Series