This is the last day of 2004, another year that brought me much that I did not expect. Most was good; in fact, it was the unforeseen things that were the most wonderful. I entered the year alone, a relatively recent widow; not working but preparing to relocate for a new job; and Presbyterian. As the annodometer turns over tonight, I find myself a renewed Catholic, I've returned home from my out-0f-state move, I'm awaiting a certain layoff having had very valuable work experience, and I'm in a relationship with a strong, kind and Godly man.

Other things have not changed. My children continue to bring joy to my life and many others, I and those dearest to me are reasonably healthy, and God scandalously pours love and grace on this undeserving daughter. In all these things, expected and not, I try to follow the next step. God constructs bigger stuff out of my small, daily, feeble efforts.

Yes, elections, terrorism, natural disasters, births, deaths -- they are with us. We wrestle with their meaning. We try to discern and do our duty. We might feel overwhelmed by the huge sweep of events. But these Big Stories are made up of many small stories. May I receive the help I need to allow God to write next year's small story in my life. May I trust Jesus. Fully.

2 comments

1. Anonymous on 11:26 PM

   RELATIVELY recent? That's a laugh. Try very recent. You tryin to fool yourself?

    
2. TS on 4:06 PM

   Beautiful post. "Whose story is it, really?". My gosh that hits home.