For many years, I believe over 30, Cynthia and I sent out our annual letter around the time of the American Thanksgiving celebration in late November; and its theme was always thankfulness, what we were grateful for during the past year.  This year, nearly 7 months after her passing, I will write the letter by myself; but the theme is the same.

I am thankful for Cynthia’s life; she brought the life and joy of the Lord to so many people, in so many ways.  And I am so thankful that I knew her for 40 years, and that we were married for over 38  years.  And that her death was relatively quick, and that she is now free from pain and living in perfect light and love.

I’m thankful for Phil & Amy, and the steps of faith they continue to take.  They are doing so well together, and in the Lord.  I’m planning on seeing them, and several others of my family, in the USA in February and March.

I’m thankful for my God-given ministry, the joy I have in helping people back to hope, and helping them cast off their Cinderella rags and enter more firmly into their royal positions.  Working with young leaders is so fulfilling for me.

The tears flow less often now, although I still catch myself thinking, “I must tell Cynthia about this . . . .”  I’m thankful for the stages of grief, and that we move through them in the measured and stately way of the changing of the seasons.  The Lord made us so well.

I’m thankful for my life at this stage: my health is better than it’s been for years, my weight is going down, my energy levels are up, and I’m surrounded with affection.  I flow between my circles of covenantal love, invite myself shamelessly for meals and visits, and live each moment with an intensity and a clarity I have not known since I was converted over 41 years ago . . . .

The extroversion and desire for company continue to develop in me, and I not only cry more easily but laugh and shout more too.

“Grief does not change you, Hazel. It reveals you.”
John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

               Prayer requests:

That I can finish my first book before the end of January 2013.  It’s doable, if you pray for me.  I have an increasing sense of urgency to get this done, the need out there is huge.

That I can have long-term housing that won’t change; the leaders of the Burtigny base are working with me on this project.

That I can continue to be a source of blessing to many.

And dear ones, I am so thankful for you.  Even though I have not been able to respond to you as well as I should have, I have been overwhelmed by your kindnesses.  May your Christmas season be the best one ever, and may you be “ever mindful of the Presence of the Lord”.