February 19, 2015
Dear Ones,
The package
arrived and as I pulled back the wrappings a well of emotions had me struggling
to sort them out as I held the beautiful red porcelain lamb and the package of
New Year’s napkins, the sweet gifts of a friend to remind me that I am thought
of and loved.
A little lamb,
well actually it is a ram, for you see today is Chinese New Year the beginning of
the year of the Ram (Sheep/Goat- there are areas of debate within the Chinese
culture as to which) but I cannot help consider the significance of a lamb,
sheep, for my year. The past twelve
months have been a year of following, a year of moving about from one pasture
to the next; learning to listen and obey when I do not understand or know what
is ahead. At times the way has seemed
narrow and dangerous as we climbed a trail cutting through the rugged cliffs to
reach high pasture where I am able to rest and be quiet in My Shepherd’s presence. I have followed Him ever so closely as He has
marched me off the sun drenched heights into the Valley of the Shadow where I
have had to say hard “Goodbyes” some for a season, some until I reach
eternity. All this time I have had the
opportunity to grow closer not only to the Shepherd I follow but the precious
flock that I am in, developing relationships that will stretch through the
years as we mature together in this body.
As I thought
through this year, I began considering that last year on Chinese New Year I had
no idea I would be in the States when this year’s celebration time arrived. In the past year I have travelled a good deal
transporting children both inside of and outside of China. I have spent long periods of time at each of
the various locations where Hope units operate.
I have held babies, wrapped arms around friends and family, held loved
ones and cried, laughed, been dry and refreshed. I have considered so many of life’s hard
things and been delighted by those moments when my Heavenly Father has taken
His staff and with it gently guided and directed my heart into a better
understanding of His. I find with each
day a longing to follow closer and closer, to hear His voice and to be near
Him. I pray this New Year brings the
same longing from your heart as He pours out upon each of us His Grace
unending.
His Grace Alone,
Mariah
