I thought I would share a version of our Christmas Card this year for any readers who may not have received this. I hope you enjoy it and that it blesses you...
Consider bridges – Jesus was born into this world to be a bridge – to reconnect us with God. People throughout history have turned their backs on God…not always intentionally…sometimes we just get caught up with ourselves and leave no room “Inn” us for God. I am thankful that Jesus was born to show me the path, to be the bridge to God, for His star to light the way across the great divide.
Some of the bright spots along our path this year included the wedding of nephew Joseph Dolby to Alisa Lim in California, girls weekends in Medina and Lake Tahoe (thank you my sweet friends), and visits with many friends and family both here in Texas and at various locations around the country. This year also marked the passing of Rex’s sister Linda who had survived over 9 years after a heart transplant; and the passing of a couple of high school classmates. As often happens, such passings provide opportunities for loved ones to draw near in a common bond of love and sympathy.
The biggest event in our year was the installation of an 89 foot flat-bed railroad car as our bridge across the great divide of our driveway that washed away in the summer floods of 2007. This dramatic event caused me to reflect on the importance of bridges – that I share with you for your reflection…
THE BRIDGE
“It happens with life, with relationships. Erosion can be subtle, at first, hardly noticed; or if noticed, just seems to be the natural course of things and is dismissed. But when the gap that once was no wider than two could reach across and clasp hands eventually erodes to a chasm deep and wide, it becomes obvious, dangerous, disastrous and impassable. Some stare, gape or shake their heads, but they get used to it. Like an “elephant in the living room,” they learn to go around it, ignore it, incorporate it into life's routines. But something happened, broke, died, changed, was destroyed, re-routed and is dramatically different. Some can't ignore it for they see the chasm as a pain, as an open wound that isn't healing. The normal waters of life's stream gently flow along their path. When the torrents and floods of life's temptations, challenges and sorrows come, they carve, dig, roll, roar, upend and destroy what once was. This could be the end of the story; or, it could be a new beginning. A bridge is built across the chasm. The two sides are reunited. Grasses and flowers begin to sprout with new life. The landscape of the soul is forever changed, yet renewed.”
Some of the bright spots along our path this year included the wedding of nephew Joseph Dolby to Alisa Lim in California, girls weekends in Medina and Lake Tahoe (thank you my sweet friends), and visits with many friends and family both here in Texas and at various locations around the country. This year also marked the passing of Rex’s sister Linda who had survived over 9 years after a heart transplant; and the passing of a couple of high school classmates. As often happens, such passings provide opportunities for loved ones to draw near in a common bond of love and sympathy.
The biggest event in our year was the installation of an 89 foot flat-bed railroad car as our bridge across the great divide of our driveway that washed away in the summer floods of 2007. This dramatic event caused me to reflect on the importance of bridges – that I share with you for your reflection…
THE BRIDGE
“It happens with life, with relationships. Erosion can be subtle, at first, hardly noticed; or if noticed, just seems to be the natural course of things and is dismissed. But when the gap that once was no wider than two could reach across and clasp hands eventually erodes to a chasm deep and wide, it becomes obvious, dangerous, disastrous and impassable. Some stare, gape or shake their heads, but they get used to it. Like an “elephant in the living room,” they learn to go around it, ignore it, incorporate it into life's routines. But something happened, broke, died, changed, was destroyed, re-routed and is dramatically different. Some can't ignore it for they see the chasm as a pain, as an open wound that isn't healing. The normal waters of life's stream gently flow along their path. When the torrents and floods of life's temptations, challenges and sorrows come, they carve, dig, roll, roar, upend and destroy what once was. This could be the end of the story; or, it could be a new beginning. A bridge is built across the chasm. The two sides are reunited. Grasses and flowers begin to sprout with new life. The landscape of the soul is forever changed, yet renewed.”
Warmest wishes to all for a great year ahead in 2010! Mary Lou, Weasel and Rex
.jpg)