At Year’s End

Well, everything is ready to share some richly welcomed days with our family. What I love most about this season is when all the preparations are finally done and time slows down so we can simply relax and enjoy each other. Grandchildren make that even more special. Also, Sara and I will be taking a break between Christmas and New Year’s to enjoy our family and be personally refreshed, so the office will be closed during that time. Orders won’t be filled again until January 4. I’m sorry for any inconvenience this will be to any of you and hope you’ll hold whatever business email you have until then. We truly need some time away from computers to let our souls refresh.

I also did an interview for the Encouraging Others Through Christ Podcast with Cliff Ravenscraft, which you can access by clicking on the link above.

Finally, last week a friend of mine quoted a Martin Scorsese interview with Fast Company magazine about how much support creative people need. I chuckled when I read the quote since it had never crossed my mind before and it seemed like a strange thing to say. Then almost immediately I realized why. The reason I’ve never felt the need for support is because I’ve had so much of it over the years. I have never known the lack of it. Sara has always been so encouraging about most of the scatter-brained ideas that run through my head, especially those that led us down this Lifestream trail. My family and extended family have also encouraged the creative side of my life. And though I get angry letters now and then from people who would prefer that I shut up, I get far more emails and comments from people that encourage me to keep writing and speaking the things that are God has put on my heart. These days that support and friendship literally comes from all over the world.

Thinking through all that, I found myself undone by the incredible people God has placed around my life. No doubt this road has not been easy and there have been seasons filled with pain. I’ve been betrayed by people who take my help, then turn around and lie about me. I’ve been forced out of relationships with people that I dearly loved through gossip. We have watched a lot of work washed away by the selfish actions of others. But God has continued to open other doors, offer us other friendships, and we seem to always have more opportunity than time to do it all. And through it all I have been able to enjoy the beauty of long-term friendships with people who have had a profound impact on my life.

So as we arrive at year’s end, I want to express my gratitude to so many of you who continue to hold a place in your heart for Sara and me and the tasks Jesus has asked of us. For the people who have prayed for us, sent us notes of encouragement, given us your counsel and wisdom, welcomed us into your homes and lives, supported us, sent us financial gifts, loved us, and simply maintained a friendship with us, thank you. Without you we would not have been able to be a part of the incredible things Father allowed us to participate in this year:

We are blessed by our relationships with so many people. We are grateful for all God has allowed us to be part of this year, and look expectantly into a year ahead. And, we want to bless you and your family. May his love overwhelm you now and in the year ahead and grant you all the support you need to journey on in him and do what he has asked you to do in the world.

And if you missed our Christmas card, scroll down to the next post. You won’t regret it!

With all our love and prayers,

Wayne and Sara.

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