As I begin 2011, I am struck with the reminder that January 1, 2011 was scheduled to be the due date for my third son, Jackson Cole, to be born. In His providence, God chose to usher our little boy directly into His presence on July 10, 2010. I know that he is in heaven because of the truth of Scripture revealed in passages like Deuteronomy 1:39, Isaiah 7:15-16, 2 Samuel 12:23, and Romans 5:18. This event was one of several difficult trials that our family faced in 2010. I can honestly say that it was the most difficult year of my life, to this point. As I reflect over the past year, I cannot answer all of the “whys” that still plague my mind. However, I can see God’s hand faithfully working in the details during each of the hardships. It was a year of growth for our family in ways that we could never have experienced apart from suffering.
So, at the beginning of 2011, I am grateful…
…for Jesus Christ, my Savior
(I could not have dealt with the trials of this year without the grace, peace, and mercy that the Lord gives each day)
…for my Kim, Luke, and Bryce
(I can see God at work in each of them, and I love them with all my heart)
(Kim has recorded her thoughts about Jackson on her Facebook blog. CLICK HERE to read.)
…for friends and family
(your support, prayers, and words of counsel have meant the world this year)
…for God’s provision
(even this week, God used special people in our lives to make it possible for us to purchase a headstone for Jackson’s grave)
We do not know what another day holds, much less another year, but if in His grace, God gives us another 52-week period, I know with complete confidence that He will continue to bring to completion the good work that He has begun in our lives, and in our weaknesses, He will prove Himself to be strong (Philippians 1:6).
I’m ready. Let 2011 begin!
