I hope this letter finds you doing well. The past month has been challenging for me, and thus, for our family. Right before Thanksgiving, I was struck with vertigo. The first week was fairly debilitating for me, and I spent most of my time in bed. In those first moments, I could not figure out what was happening, and I really could not figure out why God just wouldn't take it away. After about two weeks, I was starting to get really frustrated. I was exhausted each day, and I struggled to do basic tasks that were pretty effortless before this started. It was scary to think that this might be my new normal. In those moments, I did not "feel" God's presence like I expected. I felt like withdrawing from Him, and I was disappointed in Him. This is not a great place to be the week of Thanksgiving.
Luckily, I was reminded that God's grace is the same regardless of our response to Him. Boy, am I thankful. He has since shown me in several ways that He is close and still very present. I was distracted by my own "pain", but the truth remains that God still sent His Son for all of us. He loves us and wants our hearts. I pray that, regardless of how you are feeling toward God, that you are able to accept and be grateful for God's gift of His Son this Christmas season. It is truly a gift.
I am relieved to write that the vertigo has mellowed a lot. I am hoping to see a specialist next week, but I am able to do most things now--just a little slower than normal. Following are some of the fun memories of the past couple of months. We are truly blessed!
Our family wishes you a very Merry Christmas!
