As 2008 ends

Looking back over this year has not been easy for me. 2008 has come and gone almost at a blur but not without leaving its mark. Most of it has been used up by simply bracing myself for the next storm coming into my life. However, I say that with respect to the Lord for His grace through everything. It has not only been a difficult year but it has also been one of great moments and rays of sunshine behind every cloud. I guess sort of bittersweet is a way of wording it. I didn't expect all the storm clouds but they seemed to roll in so quickly following one another and bracing myself seemed like the only way to handle things at times.

I experienced the highlight of my year just within the past few days. As you know I have been posting about my friend next door that was diagnosed with cancer. I remember the day we met. I was out clearing some overgrown hedges between our houses when she walked over. Her words were "girl, you sure know how to clear out some weeds."(The fact that I was using so much energy with all the wrong tools was funny. I think I lost about 5 lbs. that day just from sweating.) She introduced herself and from that day on we became friends. I didn't realize at the time how different our views were but soon learned how adamant she was about her beliefs. Needless to say we didn't talk much about Christianity for awhile. During this battle with cancer we have grown to be close and have shared much of our personal journeys with one another. Some of those times have been filled with both of us crying while other times were full of laughter but all of it worth getting to know each other without pretense. We all meet too many superficial people in life so its nice to meet someone you know is real. You know that feeling of clarity when you are getting to know the real person inside and that means more to me than words can express. Well Anne-Marie is the real thing. At some point during this crisis she got interested in learning about faith. Having faith in someone that you felt had let you down through the years can prove to be very difficult for a person.

I have watched a transformation in Anne-Marie's life like none other. Just a few days ago I went over to check on her and wish her a Merry Christmas. We talked for a little while and after a few moments with tears swelling in her eyes she simply stated, "I believe". That was the moment of moments! I knew the change had already taken place deep in her heart. We talked a few more minutes, she prayed the sinner's prayer with me and then finished with prayers of her own. It was that moment of overwhelming joy I had been longing to feel all year. I feel so privileged to have been there to witness the occasion. And she has the peace she so desperately needs during this time in her life. After all of the doubts about moving to Pensacola and the questions of "Lord, what are we doing here?!", my husband could not have said it better...His words were "It was worth it. If we came here for that one person and that one purpose, it was all worth it". And I say Amen to that.
What a day! What a year!