A word for 2015

As I look back on 2014, there are several moments that stand out: Tamara lost her first tooth, my newest niece was born, Emily learnt to roller-skate and we visited some Inca ruins with my parents.  However, if I had to sum the year up in just one word that word would be “busy”.  We were busy in the health centre, treating patients with leg ulcers.  I was busy at home, teaching my girls their daily lessons.  The sewing group was busy making items for sale.  I was busy starting a girls´ club and introducing them to the delights of camping.  My husband built three houses for poor families and started on a fourth.  I wrote and published a book.  The year has flown by in the blink of an eye. 

One of the realities I have been reflecting on this year is the brevity of life.  Just this week a grandfather in the village died.  On their way home from the wake, his niece Estela and her family crashed on their motorbike and her husband and seven-year-old daughter died.  Tragically, years before, Estela´s previous husband and son also died in a similar accident.  The frequent accidents and loss of life here have forced me to face up to the uncertainty of life and the shortness of our days on earth.  I feel the need to seize the day, to make the most of each and every opportunity and not to put off until tomorrow what I can do today.  This sense of urgency contributes to my chronic busyness.  For me in 2014, God has been first and foremost the God who is with me, willing and able to help me, no matter what the circumstances.  I have tried to do all I can with the gifts He has given me.    

As I begin 2015, I find myself reflecting on what it means to live life in the light of eternity.  Yes life is brief, but I believe in a life to come that is very long!  What will continue for all eternity is my relationship with God and with my fellow men.  How should that affect how I live each and every day?  Do I just pay lip service to a belief in heaven, or am I making my decisions about what I do and how I use my time based on my faith?  Does eternity shape my here and now?  Is “busy” the best use of my time, or should eternity be shaping my priorities more?  Should my life be about helping as many people as possible, or investing deeper in my relationships with those around me? 

So, as the New Year begins, the festivities end and work recommences, I am making “eternal” my word for 2015.  In my family, in my friendships and in my work I will try to do and say those things that have eternal value as I seek to discern the path ahead.   

Ecuadorean New Year Traditions..... 

 Making of the Old Man, who represents the Old Year.

 Burning the Old Man at midnight

 The Widows of the Old Men who beg for money in the streets!!

The best Christmas gift

“So what did you get for Christmas?” is the common question once the presents are opened and the dinner consumed.  This year the question made me stop and think because my best gifts did not come wrapped up under the tree. 

The smiles of delight I received when I gave out the presents so generously donated by supporters to the children in the local village schools were a wonderful gift.  The overheard comments, “Wow, what a cute piggy!” and the sight of a little boy fiercely cuddling his toy dinosaur, brought happiness to my heart. 

 

I was proud and delighted to see Juan smiling broadly, looking confident and greeting me with a firm handshake and kiss on the cheek.  He has grown up so much in the past months, achieving excellent grades in his final year at school and shedding the shyness he had as a diffident teenager.  I am glad he has a sponsor and is able to finish school.  The determined glint in his eye brought me the satisfaction of a job well done. 

Then there was the little girl, who has a sponsor, who gave me a (live) chicken to thank me for the support she has received this year.  It is always gratifying to receive a thank-you, to know your efforts are appreciated.  This thank-you was no exception. 

All these gifts were special, unique and much appreciated.  All of them inspire me to keep going for another year in doing what I can to help the children living around me.  But even these were not the best present I received this Christmas. 

At each school I visited I took out a Christmas stocking filled with some names of Jesus.  The first we took out was “Saviour”.  The gift I most need this and every Christmas is to have my sins forgiven.  Jesus is the perfect gift because He came to save me from my sins.  The second name we took out was “Emmanuel”, which means God with us.  I also need this gift desperately.  I need to know that no matter what lies ahead of me tomorrow, next month or next year, God is with me.

And so I carry that most precious gift of all with me into the New Year, with grateful thanks.