This has been a confusing winter! The red wing blackbirds came back during a long stretch of warm and sunny days in early March, the trees started budding and our hostas burst up from the wood chip mulch by our garage, Then we got our first measurable snow...more warm days..and now a cold snap is on its way. Still, it seems like spring is around the corner and I am eagerly awaiting the appearance of all the roses we planted last year. Without anything colorful to photograph in our yard, I am slipping in a photograph I took of a bouquet on our kitchen table. But I can dream about what is to come! Do you like to garden? What do you grow?
New beginnings of spring...and some sad changes, too. My husband and I belong to a Bible study group, and one of the members is now in hospice. We hadn't seen her for quite a while, but signed up on the online Meal Train site, to join other friends in bringing the family meals. and last night we brought them supper. Our friend and her husband are the loveliest people, so kind and welcoming and giving; people of deep faith, yet we arrived feeling sad and just wanted to be careful to not intrude for too long. We soon realized that in our expectations, we had totally underestimated our friend.
Despite being in bed now, cared for by hospice and her family, she was filled with gratitude for every aspect of her life past and present--so thankful for every extra day she has been given to be with her friends and family, deeply grateful to the Lord for the joy she feels here on earth and over what is yet to come. We went hoping we could uplift her in some way, but left feeling as if we'd experienced the Lord's love and peace through her ministry to us. What a gift she is to everyone who visits her--what a testimony she is to the presence of God here on earth and power of faith.
Today, as I think again and again about this wonderful, sweet woman, I find myself wanting to be a better person...to focus more on my own faith and on ways I could help someone else. And, it also reminds me of what a blessing it is to be able to reach others, in some small way, through the books all of us with the Love Inspired line are writing.
Have you had people in your life who have deeply touched you, and helped you on your own faith journey?
Roxanne Rustand
USA Today Bestselling Author
Falling for the Rancher, LI 6/2017
Falling for the Rancher, LI 6/2017
An Aspen Creek Christmas, LI 11/2016
The Single Dad's Redemption, Love Inspired 7/2016
www.roxannerustand.com
www.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand
www.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand
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