It is that time again where I
reflect on the year. It is hard for me
to believe that 2013 has come and gone, with just the bat of my eyes. To reveal all I feel and think about it would
be impossible; however, I want to try to summarize some of how I feel. These are not in any particular order.
2013 brought grief, hardship and change for
me personally. With the illness and
subsequent death of my father in early January…change came. Although I felt as if I was ready for him to
go…as I had been preparing for his home-going since his diagnosis 5 years
prior, I certainly was not prepared for the emotions that followed. It left such a void emotionally in me, and I
realized just how much he impacted my life, in the way I think, feel and
act. Much of my father resides in
me. However, through all the change and
emotion, the Lord has been a constant since that day. He has never left me. I am so grateful for how He has helped my
mom, brother and other family members to adjust and continue on in His plan. God always makes a way.
Throughout
my life, I have always measured myself by other godly men that I have
admired. Now, I know we are not to do
that, but I do. We all do. In doing so, I have been reminded that there are many areas I need to work on personally.
This is not a new revelation for me, but has become an urgent call for me to
pursue. It is an arduous process, but I
have to make progress in improving.
I have a greater appreciation for my wife
and children more than ever before.
My wife, Ketrah, was God’s gift to me 17 years ago. She was the most beautiful bride I have ever
seen. I still remember how she looked,
and how I felt. 17 years later, I still
think she is the most beautiful woman in the world. The marriage came about as a result of my
prayer as a young teenager that God would give me a godly wife, who would love
me unconditionally, and serve the Lord by my side in ministry. I marvel at her determination and work
ethic. She loves as hard as she works…whether
it’s me, our children, or others. She
allows God’s love to flow through her.
We provide a good balance to each other.
My weaknesses are her strengths, and vice versa. Although we have had our ups and downs this
year, I love her more than anything, and I am more committed to her than
ever. My prayer is that God will use us
to touch people in whatever way He plans.
My kids still make me laugh! I have enjoyed watching my kids grow this
year. 2 of them are just as tall as I
am. They each have such different
personalities, but we have enjoyed laughing at each other and with each other this
year. I am thankful that they each love
God. My prayer is that God will help me
to be the father that I need to be. I
want them to be able to say of me…as I said of my dad…that “he was faithful and
a good example.” I have got big shoes to
fill and a lot of work to do.
I want to do more! I allowed so many opportunities to pass me by
this year. For most of the year, I felt as if I was walking with a cloud over
my head. Not really being able to see my
way out of it. I want this year to be
different, but I know that it comes down to me.
I must choose to live outside of the cloud and to take opportunities as
the Lord brings them to me.
I appreciate the godly heritage I was
given. In a world where all the “wrong”
is now the “right” things to do…I am thankful for my heritage of faith in
Christ. It is what grounds me and my
family. In this world of technology and
media mess, it can be difficult to know what to believe and just what is right
and wrong. But for me it is pretty
simple, what does God’s word say about it?
How does God’s word tell me to live?
That is how I am led and that is how I am to lead my family. The Bible is still the standard with which
people should live by. It is tried and
true. Our convictions should be shaped
by it. If we are not careful, it will be
very easy for us to turn away from the Bible and look to the world for guidance. And that is how so many people will be
deceived. There is only one way, and
that is Jesus! Nothing more, nothing
less.
We must fight for our marriages and
families. I have seen such an
increase during the year of families being split apart. Long-time marriages ending in divorce and
parents and children deciding to part ways. (John 10:10) says that the “thief comes but to steal, kill and destroy”. And we as a nation are sitting back and
allowing that to happen. When is enough,
enough! A marriage and family
relationship is not based on emotions or how I am feeling on a particular day…but
it is based on a commitment that I have made before God to be faithful to the
very end. Now, I am not saying that it
always works out. It certainly takes 2 people willing to work on it. But, our
culture has made it too easy to give up, and it is actually the norm these days. God help us to stay the course. To be faithful, to love unconditionally…even
in those moments when we may feel loved the least.
God is still faithful! I can honestly look back and see the goodness
of God. He has been faithful to me even
when I haven’t. He has been good even when
I haven’t. He has provided when I could
not. Even in the times I did not have
much faith at all, He still accomplished what He promised. (2 Timothy 2:13)
My wish for you and yours, is a
safe and happy 2014! May the blessings
of God overtake you this year! I pray you look to God’s faithfulness and truth
to help guide you in 2014.
Happy New Year!
Stan
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