Panning for Gold

Is it just me, or do you keep track of the year no longer by a traditional calendar (January-December)? But, rather by the anniversary of the most recent life altering event in your life? Maybe it's that of a loss...person, job, marriage, or perhaps a relocation, job change or new diagnosis. For the past 4 years that is how I mark time. Not negatively mind you, but rather a time to look back and reflect what God has done in my life throughout the past year. It's so crazy and fun to see the surprising twists and turns that only He knew about and how He guided me through it. It's similar to panning for gold, is it not? You scoop up all this dirt, sand etc in your pan and sift slowly and purposely through that. It's challenging work sometimes, and hard for our untrained eyes to see at times...but it's always there. God's goodness, those flecks of gold that re-enforces the truth that "this is not our home". Giving us a teeny-tiny peek of those streets of gold that await those who trust and love Him with this earthly life. Reminding us that He brings beauty out of ashes. 

One year ago from last week, I was recovering from surgery that had removed my cancerous ovaries and also had received the hard news that there was yet more cancer found during the surgery....which hadn't shown up on previous scans. It was then I made the decision to go on the oral chemo and do radiation. I wasn't feeling that hot. But even in all that dirt I had scooped up I was seeing a plethora of gold flecks gleaming through! God's provision and grace and peace and mercy have continued to show up this year with every corner I round. 

And now with both of my sweet in laws battling similar challenges, I see God's provision covering our family still. Only strengthening what the evil one wants to destroy. We will continue to trust in God and believe His promises of Jeremiah 29... (Very loose paraphrase)That He has a plan for our lives, to give us a hope and future...and we will call on Him and find Him when we seek Him with all our heart.

I'm so so so (times infinite) thankful for this time I have been given and my current steady health & energy level, considering it all. It's so true, I do not know what the future holds, but I know who holds my future.