One Year Ago Today

One year ago today Jean Arnwine, a family friend, was in Haiti on a mission trip.  Jean was injured in the quake and did not survive her wounds.  With all the media coverage of the anniversary of the Haitian disaster I am reminded of the events of the past year.

One year ago today my sister-in-law was newly pregnant with my niece, Ava.  Today Ava is a chubby little 12 week old.

One year ago today Jenny Ross Bizallion had not contracted the infection that would eventually take her life.  Today her family has made it through their first holiday season without their beloved daughter, wife, mother, and friend.

One year ago today my husband and I had given up trying to have a baby.  We were wrestling with the decision of whether or not to adopt and grieving our inability to have a child of our own.  Today I am 12.5 weeks pregnant, sick as a dog, and loving just about every minute of it.

One year ago today my dear friend Ben was nearing the end of his fight with cancer.  Today his widow, children, and church family are still missing his smile, his amazing strength, and his unwaivering faith.

The few stories above are just examples of the many highs and lows of 2010.  There were births, deaths, job changes, spiritual struggles, and joyful celebrations.  I was sitting at my desk this afternoon - taking a break from work and reminiscing - and my favorite song came on the radio.  It was not a coincidence.  It was a reminder.

"These things are merely a whisper of God's power at work.  How little we would understand if this whisper ever turned into thunder!  ~Job 26:14

"The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord."  ~Job 1:21