It is not a snowy day here in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.  In twenty years, I think it's snowed twice, and then hardly sticking to the ground--just enough to provide that dusting of white powder that gives us southerners a thrill.  I have lived in snowy climes (just outside Chicago), and there's nothing like a fresh snowfall that outlines trees and blankets rooftops.  There were times while living there, I'd bundle up and walk amid the flurries, lifting my face to feel the frozen softness on my cheeks, then brush the snow from a park bench and sit amidst the silence. 

I imagine sitting there now, even on this sun-filled day, the breeze gentle, my arms bare, feeling the warmth.  Both venues are equally delightful.  This day I am grateful for life, perhaps even more than last year when I sat reflecting upon 2016 and looking toward a new year.  In 2017, I learned there were no ordinary days--each one presenting an opportunity to capture the now and live inside that reality--to take the good and rejoice--to lean into God's supply--not allow circumstances to define me.  Miracles, really. Paradox, certaintly, as I've navigated the death of my sister and the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.  

At this time of contemplation, I want to thank you, dear readers, for your kindness and support over these many months.  You do me such honor when you read the blog posts.  I can think of little else that brings me more pleasure than writing.  Your readership is a gift, and I humbly thank you.  Often, I hear from you, and this, too, is a gift--that you take time to make a comment, send an email, write a review of one of my books--buy one of my books.  Thank you.  Knowing you are out there in the virtual landscape is comforting and brings encouragement on many levels.  

And now, we all take time to recognize the birth of the One who came to our world.  Came to us.  Initiated.  And he continues to initiate with us.  Bidding us come to Him to sit at His right side, the enemy a footstool under our feet.  Every day He invites us to see ourselves the way He does.  No condemnation, but rather as the beloved, the favored, the healed, the redeemed, the joyful ones, the wise, the ones who sing a new song, the ones with shining faces, the laughing ones, the peaceful, the hopeful, the strong ones. 

As you enter 2018, let His vision carry you forward.  May you experience His presence, His light, His counsel, His mystery and His creativity in ever-expanding ways.  No boxes.  No ceilings.  His fullness.  His abundance.