REFLECTION
I sat on a bench at the Louvre in Paris mezmorized at the painting “The Water Lily Pond” by Monet. What made this painting so infamous wasn’t the lilies…it was the various reflections of light on the lilies. Monet would paint at different times of the day to get the different colors of the lilies on the pond. As we are about to leave 2023 and invite 2024 to come it is often a time to reflect. Like every year, we look back at the highlights that brought us great Joy and the memories of great Sorrow. It is the ebb and flow of life since the beginning of time. 2023 for me started with such JOY as Kev and I finally retired, went to Ireland and Scotland, and celebrated Kev’s 70th birthday. Retirement has allowed me opportunities I had not been able to do, such as join fun clubs, go to Women’s Bible Study, start a garden, spend time with neighbors and friends, begin a new career as a part time care giver, organize a community project for the homeless, hike with my hubby…rest. But retirement can also be a challenge. Finances are tight, your health issues are more heightened, and the junk mail you receive remind you that you’re in the last chapter of your life. But like the lilies in the Monet paintings, it was always the Light that reflected its true beauty, in every season of time, in every season of life. Jesus said, “ I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have Light of Life”. For some of you your light has grown very dim…the cares of your world, the fear of the unknown, your sense of purpose is lost in the gray fog. But here’s the good news!! 2024 is coming. Jesus has overcome the darkness and there is HOPE because He is the Light. As you reflect on this year be encouraged that your light may be dim but it’s still there, ready to be ignited to shine brightly to the world…to reflect the Love, Hope, Joy of Jesus. Like the children’s song goes “ This little light of mine I’m going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine”. Happy New Year Friends and Family!