A Note of Encouragement

from Ciloa

 

  

 

 

 

A bright, shining star just before dawn

May each new day find the
Morning Star rising in your heart

 

 
The Strand I Couldn't Fix
Volume XV, Issue 51
December 21, 2015
The Strand I Couldn't Fix...by Janet Perez Eckles
 
Like fog in the morning, the spirit of Christmas had faded that year. I shuffled in the garage and, one by one, pulled off the shelves the bins I'd stored the previous Christmas. As the aroma of sugar cookies wafted through the air and Silent Night played in the background, I began the decorating.
 
The task was challenging. All I had left of my eyesight was the ability to see lights. But I set out the items as I had memorized them through the years-red and green candles, musical boxes with winter scenes, bright red poinsettias with green garland, and the Nativity scene at the center.
 
Next, I lifted from a box three stockings, each embroidered with a son's name. I ran my fingers over the letters. One read Jason; another, Jeff; and the least number of letters spelled Joe. The first two I hung on marked places above the fireplace. But Joe's I clutched against my chest.
 
Stockings hung with one separated from the other two
Tears burned my eyes as the empty stocking seared my heart. It had been five years since the Lord called Joe home. Five years that his absence had left an emptiness we could almost touch. Five years that God's grace had wiped away portions of the grief that still ached in our broken hearts.
 
Yet on this day-like warm steam from mint tea...soft and sweet-healing came in a memory.
 
Years ago, when our three sons were still young, I rushed around and worked hard trying to make everything just so. As a result, little things tended to make me crazy.
 
One night, while everyone was in bed, I stayed up with something important-trying to fix a light strand that refused to shine. One burned-out bulb was the culprit. Annoyed at the glitch, I rearranged, plugged, and unplugged, but could not fix the strand. Frustrated, I plopped on the couch.
 
Then I glanced at the top of our Christmas tree. There was the star...shining, glowing, lighting the room. I sighed, a little ashamed. I thought of all the light bulbs that had burned out in my life-broken relationships, disappointments, setbacks, failed plans, and even deep heartache.
 
Each time I tried to fix the strands myself. But in all the mess, I missed the One who lights the way through the darkest moments. Trying to fix the strands of my life's issues, I had missed The Star-Christ the Lord-who gives significance to my life and joy for my days.
 
I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star. Revelation 22:16
 
One bright star in a dark sky
When the void in our heart aches to be filled, it's The Star of comfort who makes it whole. When bitter sorrow robs the spirit of Christmas, it's The Star of love who whispers joy. When a diagnosis shakes our world, it's The Star of reassurance who shines the certainty of new tomorrows.

The Star never loses the brilliance of hope, but we embrace Him fully only when the strands of life burn out.
 
I embraced Him that day as I, with eyes focused on The Star, hung Joe's stocking along with his brothers'. It's not empty anymore-but filled with sweet memories-his wit and laughter, his hugs and kisses. The Star changed all that.
 
Jesus is our bright Morning Star. This Christmas and all the days to come, may He dispel your darkness, dry your tears, and repair the strands you cannot fix.
Seeing the best in life,

Janet                                 

Janet Perez Eckles...2015 Don Quijote Award for Excellence Finalist...has dedicated her life to reaching people around the world with the Gospel. Through her physical blindness, she helps them see the best of life with Christ's eyes. Discover her ministry at www.janetperezeckles.com.
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