Reflection of Providence

  “If I were called upon to state in a few words the essence of everything I was trying to say both as a novelist and as a preacher, it would be something like this: Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom & pain of it no less than in the excitement & gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy & hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments & life itself is grace.” -        Frederick Buechner I ended a prayer in my journal like this: “Lord, I like finality…but I am striving for journey!”   Those that know me well know that I am a little left of center. I tend to lean toward the mystery and mythical of this life. While I certainly can dwell in dark places, I try to see them as adventures instead of desperate situations. It isn’t always easy to navigate, but I am learning that I do not walk this journey alone. At the close of 2014 I got a little lost. At one point I

I know that I have life only insofar as I have love.   I have no love except it come from Thee.   Help me, please, to carry this candle against the wind.   -       Wendell Berry, “I”, Leavings P. 33   Anna pulled the minivan into the gravel drive that ran along the back of the house. Stones crunched hard under rubber tires. Placing the vehicle into park she glanced at Thomas sleeping soundly in his car seat. This enigmatic soul she birthed four years ago was a gentle balm. The road had been harsh, made rocky under the weight of selfish choices. Yet, God continued to fan embers, stirring Anna’s heart to His. She knew His purpose for her life was lasting. The chill air caught her breath in frosted plumes of smoke. It sent a shiver running across her neck and down her spine. She quickly exited the vehicle shutting her door quietly. She had just begun to pull packages and luggage from the open trunk when Papa came out to greet her. “H