Reflections at the Conclusion of an Unusual Year……
Hey, did you realize there are only 362 days left until next Christmas!
Sorry about that reminder!
Hope your Christmas was blessed in many ways.
I bet none of us could have imagined what the days ahead would hold for our family, our community, our nation, and the world last year on December 28, 2019.
My husband and I are in a season of at least partial retirement. Our financial advisor described three phases of retirement: 1) Go-Go; 2) Slow-Go, and 3) No-Go. I’ve added a 4th, which I believe will be the best phase of all: When-to-Heaven-we-Go!
Even though my husband and I think we’re in the ‘Go-Go’ phase, several of our 2020 travel plans were thwarted because of restrictions related to the Corona Virus pandemic. During the first two weeks of December, however, we were able to take a wonderful vacation to Florida.
Today’s post includes a few of Ron’s photos from our trip, along with comments and quotes. I hope you’ll enjoy!
The spire of this Lutheran church during an evening stroll in downtown Sarasota, Florida, with Ron’s brother, Jerry, and sister-in-law, Lisa, was breathtaking. Of the birth of Jesus, St. Augustine of Hippo made this amazing observation,
He was created of a mother whom He created. He was carried by hands that He formed. He cried in the manger in wordless infancy, He the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute.
A stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean from our 14th floor condo in Daytona Beach. Beach goers that day wore sweatshirts rather than shorts because the weather was unseasonably cool.
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
through all generations….
Who is like you, Lord God Almighty?
You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
You rule over the surging sea;
when its waves mount up, you still them. (Psalms 89:1, 8 & 9 NIV)
No explanation needed!
I jotted down words I heard while on our Florida vacation. Can’t recall the source:
God is infinite,
YET
God is intimate!
The sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean. I love sunrises and sunsets, which speak to my soul of God’s faithfulness.
The sun rises, the sun sets, and then it hurries back to where it rises again. (Ecclesiastes 1:5)
Strolling along the beach, searching for shells with friends Will and Cindy, while waiting for a rocket to launch from Cape Canaveral. At the last minute, we were disappointed to learn the launch had been postponed.
What a year 2020 has been! We’ve all gained new insights about the unpredictability of time during these past few months. Two lessons I’ve learned are:
HOLD MY PLANS LOOSELY!
TRUST GOD’S PLANS DEEPLY!
A highlight of our vacation was a two-hour cruise on a 70-foot sailboat that returned in time to view the St. Augustine Nights of Lights. A truly magical scene!
