I have been reading (and LOVING) Shauna Niequist's books over the last year. Reading, re-reading, putting them aside and reading them again over the last 12 months. They have been wonderful companions over this year. Ministering to me a year ago, and then preparing me for now. I highly recommend you go out and buy all of them, and while you are at it just pre-order the next one. You'll thank me (and no, I didn't get paid to say that about the books!)
Something sticking with me, that is sprinkled all through Shauna's writing is the presence of God, and lessons of faith in ALL seasons.
Before Thanksgiving came, I had a wee touch of "the bah humbugs" about the coming holidays. You see, in "the original timeline" for the adoption, sometime around THIS Christmas was "supposed to be" THE Christmas. The Christmas we became a family of 4. The Christmas we finally got to be done with the paperwork, the fees (OH sweet heavens..THE FEES!!) and bring home a little one. 2 1/2 years in the making, and THIS Christmas, I thought it would be about done.
I was wrong.
There have been several delays & setbacks but we keep walking one step at a time. It appears at this time- we have a longer wait ahead than we could have ever imagined. Right now we sit at #58 on the list of waiting families- but it is okay.
At first, this made me dread the coming of Christmas (hard one to admit). However, I am reminded in this season of Advent that a season of longing and preparation can be good. It can be very good. As with all things, I don't have to understand it in order for it to be good.
So, in sweet & peaceful anticipation we await God & His perfect timing.
Merry Christmas friends.
