The new year is moments away, and thoughts of you fill my mind while I am serenaded by the tick-tock of a real grandfather clock which stands tall and imposing next to my cozy chair. Perhaps this clock will one day stand in our home.
Time is such a slippery fellow, racing fast when I'd like to stop and savor each second, and plodding along when I'd rather sprint through the undesirable parts. This year has been a hard one, and I will be glad to see it go. I am blessed to have a good job, but I long for more of a life outside of a "career." I hunger for relationship, family, home. I call out to God, "How long?" Sometimes I'm ready to say, "That's it, no more letters. God's plan for me is a life of loneliness." But then some small spark of hope rekindles the fire and I can almost see you standing there, waiting for the Lord to give His nod of approval before you walk toward me.
“Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed,
for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
I will help you,
I will uphold you with
My victorious right hand.”
These words from Isaiah 41:10 popped up as my Bible app's "verse of the day," and how poignant these words are this evening! I can rest in God's presence promised for this new year. His comforting words bring a message of grace for my role as His handmaiden, and His words of strength give me courage in my vocation as His ambassador. Assured of His faithfulness, I look to the year ahead with confidence and expectant hope. Yes, there will be many difficult days, but His grace is sufficient.
What will 2014 hold? Will this be the year I finally meet you? Will this be the year in which you take my hand in yours for a stroll along the river path? Will it be the year in which I grow completely giddy over a bouquet of flowers from you? Will it be the year in which you teach me to ice skate? Will this be the year I whisper in your ear just to be close to you? Will this be the year that I finally put up with flirting because it has been saved for me all these years?
Sweetheart, you will have to put up with a lot when you see for yourself
that I'm what they call an "old soul." I was born too late - this 21st
century is not where I belong. Please don't think me too
old-fashioned! I find old churches inviting, suspenders
and cuff links appealing, hand-written letters romantic, the aroma of
freshly-baked bread intoxicating, the adventure of a camping trip
invigorating, classic poetry captivating, fireside chats alluring, and
sitting on the porch "for a spell" mandatory. Today I joined my family on an excursion to a historic hotel in the next town. We enjoyed its noontime buffet, with live piano music and plenteous Christmas decorations. As I listened to the strains of "As Time Goes By" and savored my slice of cheesecake, I found myself wishing you were seated next to me at the table. One day I will take you there.
My unknown darling, may this coming year be marked by joy, grace, and courage in our lives, as the Lord prepares us for one another! As the old year slips away into the darkness, imagine my hand reaching out to clasp yours as I lean in for a kiss. And remember you don't have to take down the Christmas tree yet -- after all,there are 12 days of Christmas, right?
Ever yours,
Me
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