Friday, December 12, 2008

Thursday December 11, 2008

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19.

The turn of events that first Christmas was certainly something to be pondered. Mary’s reaction reflects our response when things we do not fully understand circulate in our minds. We try to find an answer or at least a meaning in unexpected events that befall us. But it is more than a thought process; as Mary illustrated, it envelops our whole being: heart, mind and spirit. Do our emotions lead our thoughts, and if they do is it helpful? Are our attitudes and actions compromised by emotional reactions?

I have been greatly encouraged by the prayers and positive thoughts that many of you have sent me. There is no doubt that some fight disease while others seem resigned to it. There is some evidence that an energetic response to disease is reflected in activity of the “pacmen” whose work is to gobble up foreign bodies in the human system. Some exercise that gets the heartbeat and breathing revved up doesn’t hurt either. Yep, I climbed all those stairs again today!

Tomorrow’s weather forecast is for blizzard conditions for 24 hours or so. A chance to get caught up on the packing necessary for Monday’s flight to Montreal. Ann and I are thankful for this Christmas with our daughter and family in Montreal before continuing to England. We are thankful for every day he gives, whether in sickness or in health, us as we move into the latter years of our lives. Our relationship to God remains the same as our commitment to each other—for better or for worse! We will be there for each other as we know God, too, is with us all the way. What more encouragement do we need to maintain a positive outlook?

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