I Wonder As I Wander. . .

I Wonder As I Wander ~ Arrangement by Unknown (Dulcimer & Guitar Duo)
(Please click for background music as you read this message of H.I.M.)

On this beautiful sunny, wintry afternoon with the glistening snow crunching under my feet, while walking with Jake, I wonder as I wander how different 2013 could have been. One might think this was the worse year of my life, but, in fact, it is probably one of the best because I am still here to tell my story! Sadly, however, there are many who were diagnosed with cancer this year that were not as fortunate. My thoughts and prayers go out to their loved ones. For none of us know when our last day on this earth will come. Though this year has truly been bitter sweet, I have so very much to be thankful for! I can truly claim Romans 12:12 when I read, “Be joyful in hope; patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.”  For this most certainly sums up my year. I cannot begin to imagine facing my affliction with cancer alone. I cannot imagine my life without the encouraging hope and constant prayer of so many surrounding me through these difficult months.  I have been so blessed in so many ways ~ by the faithfulness and everlasting love of my dear husband, who has never left my side, by the constant encouragement of my family and dear friends, and by having the available medical facilities, technology and expertise of my medical team nearby to make me well again.  There are so many who must travel every day for miles and miles, hours and hours, through rain or snow, for their medical care, while I am only a short distance away.  I am so thankful I am where I am.  

Most importantly, I cannot imagine my life without my faith in my Creator – Lord and Saviour! For life as we experience it from day-to-day would have no meaning or purpose and would be oh, so hopeless.  Yet, God sent his Son, Jesus, to die for ordinary folks like you and me so that we might have eternal life.  

As this Christmas season is once again upon us, I wonder as I wander, how wonderful it must have been to bear witness on that special blessed night in Bethlehem.  Oh, how it must have felt to perhaps be a little drummer boy who may have played his best for Him, or like the three wise men following the star of wonder guiding them to the perfect Light bringing their gold, myrrh or frankincense.

As I wonder as I wander, one thing I know for sure I am one very blessed woman!    

“Jesus didn't say, 'Blessed are those who care for the poor.'
He said, 'Blessed are we where we are poor,
where we are broken.'
It is there that God loves us deeply
and pulls us into deeper communion with himself.”
~ Henri Nouwen