It’s the season for rejoicing, and we have so much to be thankful for. It has been a year of difficult challenges, yet we are here – with hot water for showers, warm clothes and house, loving family and friends, soft snowflakes falling outside and hearts rejoicing in God’s grace.
And good health. After months of struggling with double vision and shortness of breath, I’m so grateful that through medical expertise and God’s healing, I have renewed stamina and restored eyesight. It’s an ongoing journey, but what an incredible gift! And so grateful to Paul who took a sabbatical from his work to provide care and drive me all over! Special gratitude to all the family and faith partners who continue to walk with us and pray fervently. We feel so blessed to be part of a tremendous support community.
This week’s painting is our Christmas card to you. During our travels to Ireland, we were captivated by the free-grazing sheep. And in considering the sheep on the hills surrounding Bethlehem on that night long ago, I think they were kin to the free-roaming flocks found on the rugged coastline along the Wild Atlantic Way. Wild, unkempt, coyote-savvy and yet somehow aware and perhaps anticipating the announcement of the angels ~ “a Savior is born, the Messiah and Lord ~ and the babe is wrapped in cloth, lying in a manger.” This watercolor painting, Keeping Watch, captures a band of free-grazers high on the Irish moorlands. We wish you a joyous Christmas and New Year!
