Change

I had an early start to my day, and I realized just how much I miss getting up while it is still dark outside. In the winter, my biggest reason for staying in bed is that it is cold in our house. I would rather stay under my nice warm, snugly covers than brave the cold that faces me as soon as I open my bedroom door. Our heat pump is old and tired, and if that isn't bad enough, it is too small for my size of brood. Our fireplace is nice once a good hot bed of coals has been established. That takes almost all day if I am the one in charge of it! I have learned to save my dryer lint and spent candles to use as my back up weapons when starting a fire. While I actually have never started a fire with anything, these items have gotten me closest to my goal. When my children were all young, I cherished the wee hours of the morning. They were the only ones that I would get by myself until bedtime, and I wanted to make the most out of those precious minutes. Now that my kids are older, I don't have the same issues any more. There are plenty of opportunities in my day to slip away by myself, but rarely do I feel the need to do that. The dynamics of a family change with each year that passes. I enjoyed when my kids were all little, but I find that I am also enjoying the time now that they are bigger too. I have learned over the years that I can either fight the changes that come (and they WILL come) or I can embrace them with grace and style. That is the one I usually try to go with, and it has worked thus far for me. I have my moments. I don't like change any more than the next person, but there are some things that I just don't have any control over...like my babies growing up into men! "Ready or not here I come" has often been the chant of change in my life. I thought for certain just a few short months ago that we would be moving from this farm for a new job for my husband. It looked as if it would be a done deal. Then the so called done deal didn't happen, and I was left with a new change to embrace. I wonder what the new year will hold for us.

My last sleeping moment this morning came with a dream. Father God was holding out His hand to me. He was taller than me, and I would have to reach up just a little to get His hand. Although I don't remember seeing His face, I do remember seeing Him smile. I was instantly reminded of my earthly dad who held my hand often, and I quickly reached up and grabbed His hand. I had no idea where we were going, but I knew it would be alright.

grace and peace,
julie