Hi Sue, I had no idea, until the other day, what you guys are going through. Our deepest prayers, albeit halting and stammering, are with you, and of course, your dear one. And this was a lovely and capacious post, well exemplifying the name of your newsletter.
Had to look up capacious! 😳 and thank you for that. Any kind of prayers and thoughts in our direction are appreciated - doing the same for you and your loved one.
Thank you for sharing, circumstances & changes are so hard for all of us. After experiencing a fall & going from hospital to rehab the last 21 days. The Lord is showing me how change can be ok (and not to fear it) and can be embraced. That God is and will be with me, as He has shown. Now here at rehab which could be another 3 (or so weeks). So change to my Christmas will look a lot different this year as well, but I will be surrounded & supported by family. Will be thinking & praying for continued blessings upon your family my friend.
Sue, thank you for your words…These in particular stood out to me. “There is no growth to measure in the winter months – only waiting and trusting.” I had hip replacement surgery on the 7th and the drive to get back to “normal” is so strong. I appreciate this wisdom from winter you named. How often I forget the rhythm of the seasons are treasures for us to embrace. For today, I will do my part and leave the results to God.
Some of my most meaningful Christmases have been when nothing was the same. All the tinsel removed. Praying the Lord meets you as well. 🙏❤️
Oh wow! A hip replacement! That is big. An enforced slowness is always the hardest to embrace. May you be able to settle as your body takes the time it needs to heal. 🙏 Our family appreciates your prayers.
Dear Sue, I am thinking of you and your family as you enter another season of uncertainty and waiting. Our priest gave the most beautiful message today about waiting, and reminded us that Advent IS about waiting. Still, the waiting is so hard because of the uncertainty that comes with the times of waiting for a date, an outcome, a change, a healing. As I listened to the sermon, I thought how this year could have been summed up by one word: uncertainty. I know you can relate. In the waiting, in the uncertainty, another word came to me: trust. I’m still wrestling with what the word trust has to teach me, but I see how you are trusting in the story of Christmas to carry you through the season that will be so different for you. The hope that comes from the message of this Sunday shines through in your words.
I’m quite sure in time, you will treasure this time because as you say, you all will be together, and you will celebrate in whatever way you can, and you will be giving the gift of love to your dear one as she goes through this trying time. You and your family remain in my heart and in my prayers.
Oh how I know that you understand the waiting and uncertainty. Watching you navigate life has given me a wise guide to follow. I am so thankful. I do appreciate that Advent makes room for all the uncertainty and longing that we feel. Blessing my friend 💕
Thank you for your thoughts and for sharing this Sue. I am also anticipating surgery before Christmas. A 3rd back surgery in 4 yrs. This will happen on Dec 11 and so Christmas will be very pared down. I wait with some anxiety and anticipation of a long recovery. I will try to be present for Advent and for Christmas amidst all the fuss over dressing changes, nurses, and being unable to do much of anything. Like Katie said, it's so hard to wait and then move through that waiting to the other side. I was anticipating really being present and participating in Advent this year--perhaps I will find my peace in the quiet and forced pause in my life for a few weeks, listening to Christmas music, watching birds and snow fall, enjoying the lights from the tree and being pampered--if recovery is pampering.
I wish for you a Christmas that is full--you have a positive slant on the events that will be unfolding. Yes, different. Yes, still Christmas. love you you my friend.
Oh Diane I am sorry surgery will be part of your Advent season as well 😢. This must be very frustrating for you to be going through this yet again. I do pray that the forced pause will end up being a gift in some way to you. May you know His companionship more than ever this year my friend. 🙏
This message and the offerings of your blessed words will surely light a fire of fondness, love and good will in all those who read this. The Advent story is so very relevant in this time! It is a different kind of Advent this year for many reasons, most all of them mentioned by you here. Thank you for placing this guidance and brilliant observation before our eyes and before those we share this with. May your loved one recover and heal after the procedure(s) to come. Peace be with you and may all who read experience unexpected joys as the days progress.
Thank you for reading and for your kind and thoughtful comments. In all the uncertainty and change that you are experiencing I pray you would be accompanied and carried. We are never alone. I appreciate your prayers so much. Peace be with you
Thank you so much Cindy for reading and commenting.I appreciate that Advent is a season that recognizes our waiting and longings. Blessings to you also.
It's so hard to wait, especially when you aren't quite sure what you are waiting for looks like. You have captured the beauty of Advent. You have such a gift with observing the world and describing it to us in such a way that we can say-- I see that now. Thank you for naming what I sense but have not yet named. XO
I appreciate your encouragement so much Katie. Even though this post felt so very personal, I am glad to hear that it resonates with you. Blessings my friend.
Hi Sue, I had no idea, until the other day, what you guys are going through. Our deepest prayers, albeit halting and stammering, are with you, and of course, your dear one. And this was a lovely and capacious post, well exemplifying the name of your newsletter.
Had to look up capacious! 😳 and thank you for that. Any kind of prayers and thoughts in our direction are appreciated - doing the same for you and your loved one.
Sue,
Thank you for sharing, circumstances & changes are so hard for all of us. After experiencing a fall & going from hospital to rehab the last 21 days. The Lord is showing me how change can be ok (and not to fear it) and can be embraced. That God is and will be with me, as He has shown. Now here at rehab which could be another 3 (or so weeks). So change to my Christmas will look a lot different this year as well, but I will be surrounded & supported by family. Will be thinking & praying for continued blessings upon your family my friend.
Sue, thank you for your words…These in particular stood out to me. “There is no growth to measure in the winter months – only waiting and trusting.” I had hip replacement surgery on the 7th and the drive to get back to “normal” is so strong. I appreciate this wisdom from winter you named. How often I forget the rhythm of the seasons are treasures for us to embrace. For today, I will do my part and leave the results to God.
Some of my most meaningful Christmases have been when nothing was the same. All the tinsel removed. Praying the Lord meets you as well. 🙏❤️
Oh wow! A hip replacement! That is big. An enforced slowness is always the hardest to embrace. May you be able to settle as your body takes the time it needs to heal. 🙏 Our family appreciates your prayers.
Really beautiful words, Sue. Thank you.
Thank you Christina for reading - I appreciate your comment so much. May your classroom and family celebrations be nourishing to you this season.
Dear Sue, I am thinking of you and your family as you enter another season of uncertainty and waiting. Our priest gave the most beautiful message today about waiting, and reminded us that Advent IS about waiting. Still, the waiting is so hard because of the uncertainty that comes with the times of waiting for a date, an outcome, a change, a healing. As I listened to the sermon, I thought how this year could have been summed up by one word: uncertainty. I know you can relate. In the waiting, in the uncertainty, another word came to me: trust. I’m still wrestling with what the word trust has to teach me, but I see how you are trusting in the story of Christmas to carry you through the season that will be so different for you. The hope that comes from the message of this Sunday shines through in your words.
I’m quite sure in time, you will treasure this time because as you say, you all will be together, and you will celebrate in whatever way you can, and you will be giving the gift of love to your dear one as she goes through this trying time. You and your family remain in my heart and in my prayers.
Oh how I know that you understand the waiting and uncertainty. Watching you navigate life has given me a wise guide to follow. I am so thankful. I do appreciate that Advent makes room for all the uncertainty and longing that we feel. Blessing my friend 💕
My prayers and thoughts are with you that in the midst of turmoil, the Babe will still be born and Immanuel will still be with you.
Yes and amen! Thank you for your prayers.
Thank you for your thoughts and for sharing this Sue. I am also anticipating surgery before Christmas. A 3rd back surgery in 4 yrs. This will happen on Dec 11 and so Christmas will be very pared down. I wait with some anxiety and anticipation of a long recovery. I will try to be present for Advent and for Christmas amidst all the fuss over dressing changes, nurses, and being unable to do much of anything. Like Katie said, it's so hard to wait and then move through that waiting to the other side. I was anticipating really being present and participating in Advent this year--perhaps I will find my peace in the quiet and forced pause in my life for a few weeks, listening to Christmas music, watching birds and snow fall, enjoying the lights from the tree and being pampered--if recovery is pampering.
I wish for you a Christmas that is full--you have a positive slant on the events that will be unfolding. Yes, different. Yes, still Christmas. love you you my friend.
Oh Diane I am sorry surgery will be part of your Advent season as well 😢. This must be very frustrating for you to be going through this yet again. I do pray that the forced pause will end up being a gift in some way to you. May you know His companionship more than ever this year my friend. 🙏
Dear Sue,
This message and the offerings of your blessed words will surely light a fire of fondness, love and good will in all those who read this. The Advent story is so very relevant in this time! It is a different kind of Advent this year for many reasons, most all of them mentioned by you here. Thank you for placing this guidance and brilliant observation before our eyes and before those we share this with. May your loved one recover and heal after the procedure(s) to come. Peace be with you and may all who read experience unexpected joys as the days progress.
Thank you for reading and for your kind and thoughtful comments. In all the uncertainty and change that you are experiencing I pray you would be accompanied and carried. We are never alone. I appreciate your prayers so much. Peace be with you
This is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing! Blessing to you.
Thank you so much Cindy for reading and commenting.I appreciate that Advent is a season that recognizes our waiting and longings. Blessings to you also.
It's so hard to wait, especially when you aren't quite sure what you are waiting for looks like. You have captured the beauty of Advent. You have such a gift with observing the world and describing it to us in such a way that we can say-- I see that now. Thank you for naming what I sense but have not yet named. XO
I appreciate your encouragement so much Katie. Even though this post felt so very personal, I am glad to hear that it resonates with you. Blessings my friend.
Blessings to you too!
To wait and to trust,
through change, shape-shifting landscapes.
We’re never alone.
“Shape-shifting landscapes” I love that phrase. Grateful for that we are not alone.