the One constant.

This Christmas has been unlike any other.  It's been a day faced with difficult reminders.  Difficult visits (the cemetery and nursing home).  Moments where all you can think of is how quickly things have changed.  Yet, I realize this is life.  The direct opposite of constant.  The only constants we can truly depend on is the grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unending, unconditional, and unchanging love of God.  

This is a short post but I'd like to end it with a prayer... simply because sometimes there aren't enough words that are adequate enough to portray what is going on in our hearts and minds.  But God knows.  

God,

Thank You for loving us so much that You not only sent us Your Son, but You sent us a Savior.  Jesus wasn't only a baby born in a manger, but He came here to save us.  

There is so much hurt all around.  Be with every hurting and grieving heart.  Touch them.  Heal them.  Be with everyone who is sick and suffering.  Be with the parents and families who are looking at wrapped presents under a Christmas tree that their sweet child will never be able to open because their life was taken much too soon.  Be with the families who spent part of today standing beside a loved one's grave.  Be with those who are having a hard time trusting Your plan for their life.  Hold them.  Surround them.  Make them so aware of Your presence that there is no denying that it is You.  God, be with us today.  We know that You are.  If we've ever needed You, Lord, it's now.  

God, we know that Your plans are greater than our plans.  And Your ways are higher than our ways.  Help us to trust You completely.  We know that You work all things together for our good.  And we thank You.  Thank You for your unending love.  Thank You for being the One constant we can always depend on.  Thank You Jesus.  

Amen.