When I finish my shift at work tonight, it will be the last one for the next three months so until the first week of April, I'll be able to spend my time writing. That's all I really want to do, Lord willing, is write. It's not even a contest; I would much rather be a poor poet than a rich career person, which is why I'm serving food rather than starting another business or working for a law firm. So, one more season of hard (yet rewarding) labor and my little piece of land will be completely paid for and I can then reconsider my options.
For the next three months, besides working on my book, I had planned to visit my father in Baja, Mexico. I've only seen him and my step-mother twice since 1998, so I was really looking forward to it. And just to make it even more wonderful, my sons and granddaughter were going to join us for a miniature family reunion on the warm white sand beaches of Cabo San Lucas.
But, as I said in an earlier entry... "man proposes and the Lord disposes". Apparently my trip was not to be, (at least not this year) because my computer crashed and the money I struggled so hard to save for the trip must be used to purchase a new computer. Yes, my own joy is important... but not as important as touching even one life with the gift the good Lord gave me. After all, there is no greater blessing than to BE a blessing.
It's amazing how turning my life over to the Lord has completely changed my attitude. Not very many years ago, I would have been greatly disappointed, perhaps even shed a tear over having to give up the opportunity to see my family. But things are different now. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I'll have eternity to spend with my loved ones... but the time for making a difference here on Earth is limited. I also believe that everything happens for a reason, and the best part is... I don't need to know what that reason is. THAT is the gift of faith.
And so, my friends, I shall bid you adieu for now. Winter in the Ozarks is a beautiful time and I'm really looking forward to adding this new adventure to the pages of my Book of Life. As long as my tanks don't freeze up and/or my water pipes burst... "everything will be fine". (Gee, where have I heard that before?)
Here's hoping that 2005 is your best year yet!
Abigayle
Picture Below: The winter view from my window
