Resolutions Schmesolutions

Not being one to make New Year's Resolutions, I'd rather count the blessings I've experienced this passing year.  2010 began with life and is ending with another life moving into eternal life.

Our first grandchild, Micaylah, was born in early January.  My Mama's older brother just died Tuesday morning.  His was a life well lived and one with love.  He lived his dash.  Who could ask for more?  Hers is a life that is off to a great start.  Full of love.  She is at the beginning of her dash.  We can look back at his dash and fill it in.  Her dash is a canvas waiting to be painted.  Who can ask for more?

We get to see our daughter be "Mom."  Because we see her doing such a fabulous job, we bask and feel like we did a good job ourselves.  What goes around comes around and we're here to see it.  Who can ask for more?  We also get to witness our son-in-law relish this time with their daughter and his father enjoy his only grandchild.  We see first-hand how this little family lives and loves and if we died today, we'd go knowing it is well with them.  Who can ask for more?

Our son is here!!!!  I had my best Christmas ever this year and my best present was and continues to be the gift of his life...twice given.  I will not go into the details here.  Those who know them understand.  Those who don't can use their imaginations.  God knows (literally...God knows) how abundantly grateful I am to be able to see his face and hear his voice; to see him discovering computer science and making peace with his intelligence and inner nerdiness.  His dash wasn't engraved way too early, but is still there for him to fill in.  Who can dare ask for more?

I can count the blessing of having both my parents, now both 80 years young and getting younger.  Not everyone my age can say that.  They, themselves, couldn't say that.  They had both their children, all 4 grandchildren, and their great-granddaughter for Christmas Day.  They've lived to see turnarounds in lives and doors open that weren't even on the horizon.  They've seen God working in our lives in astounding ways.  As Dr. Seuss would say, they're in good shape for the shape they're in.  Who can ask for more?

Hubby and I celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary in November.  As all couples, we've had our share of ups and downs.  The "ups" carried the day and we've given our children an example that marriages can survive and thrive....even in our time and culture.  It's worth it.  Thirty-one down and more to go.  Who can ask for more?

We both have meaningful callings and support each other.  He's a pharmacist and I'm a Methodist pastor.  God has been surprising and at the same time, God has been faithful.  Through all the changes in our lives, God has been faithful.  Who can pray for more?

And so, here is the tip of my blessing iceberg!  Each day presented blessings and each day held a challenge.  That's life.

And I am grateful.  Here's to 2011!