It was a win for Baba and Mormor (the names our grandkids use for us.)
On a stroll through our small town of Waynesville just before Christmas, Mike and I spotted an inexpensive bag of little gemstones at a toy store.
“This would be a fun activity for the kids!” I commented as I fingered the stones. “We can bury them in a big bucket of sand, give the kids a scoop, and let them take turns digging for treasure.”
Sure enough, our six grandkids loved the activity. Scooping, sifting and sorting kept them occupied for over an hour while their parents enjoyed a post-holiday lunch out with their siblings.
But you know what? As much as the kids appreciated collecting the gemstones, it was digging for them that made the experience memorable. They couldn’t see what they were searching for, but they took our word for it that the treasure was there.
The holidays are over, and with them the anticipation of special worship services, gift-giving, and family get-togethers. The winter solstice was just three weeks ago.
In this darkest season of the year, do you find your thoughts growing gloomy as well?
Many of you have been in touch after I posted our family greetings in this space on Christmas Eve. We’re rejoiced together over answered prayers and family milestones, but I’m also praying for the significant needs you’ve shared with me in recent weeks.
Oncology regimens and palliative care options.
Family members who need intensive caregiving.
Wombs and bank accounts that remain empty.
Prodigals who have not yet turned their hearts towards home.
It's hard to find your way in the dark.
But sometimes there’s a purpose for it—discoveries that we’d never make otherwise, developing of spiritual muscle tone, deposits in our lives that are priceless.
“But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” Job 23:10
For the next eight weeks, let’s dig our way out of the darkness together. Starting today and ending on March 4 just before Daylight Saving Time begins, we’ll share stories and burrow through Scripture to find those nuggets of encouragement God has for us.
If you’re willing to make these weekly journeys through the pitchy places with me, please leave a message and say, “I’m in!”
I promise you a lot of light along the way.
So much love,
Maggie
COMING NEXT WEEK: Like me, have you failed at some of the health and fitness goals you've set in the past? . On January 14 I'll share how the darkness is actually helping me in this new year.
“And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches.I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.” Isaiah 45:3