the architecture of life

What gives our life it shape? Our families, our jobs, our hopes, our experiences, our accomplishments, our losses, our past?

I think about the people who uplift, support, encourage, cheer us on and hold us close. Some we see daily and others less frequently. And I think about those few, those rare & precious few, who care with such depth of tenderness, who take or rather make the time, to build relationship with us, those whose shoulders we stand upon. Kind people who have shared their insights with us, who have encouraged and gently pointed the way.

How grateful I am to be blessed with such people. Sharing the journey together, walking with Jesus by the grace of God alone.

And in this season of Advent, may we all take the time to reflect upon and give thanks for those people who have made a difference in our lives. Those who have stood by us shoulder to shoulder and helped carry our burdens.

May we make room in our hearts for Jesus, may His light burn brightly there as we wait and ponder and ready ourselves anew for His arrival, knowing our lives are defined and shaped by the hand of God, by His grace, His watchful eye, His extravagant love.

Thanks be to God.