Choosing a word for the year is a recent trend. I like it, think about it, and then promptly forget to choose a word. Maybe I will remember for 2022. Instead, what about a Christmas song for the year?
This song by Francesca Battistelli is one I could not stop humming during Christmas Break. I thought about it in different ways. In November of 2018, one of Caden’s classmates passed away due to a car accident. This song seemed to resonate when I thought back to that tragic night. COVID, the disrupter of all disruptions, causes deep sadness as I think about so many lives and relationships broken.
But sadness is not the only emotion I feel with this song. The line, “Thrill of Hope” is what I felt when seeing dolphins swimming close to shore on Anna Maria Island, our vacation spot during Christmas Break. All of a sudden, their gray bodies glided near to the shore, much to the joy of beachgoers. It was magical to witness.
The line, “lift your eyes and behold Him” reminds me of God’s provision. “We were in an accident” were my mother-in-law’s words right after we spent a fun evening playing cards and eating dinner. ” We will be right there,” I answered. Despite a mangled vehicle, nobody was hurt. As I sat in our truck with my somewhat calm mother-in-law, I watched God’s hand at work. Gratitude filled my heart for the opportunity to be there with them, reminding them of God’s goodness in the midst of an accident. It seemed like only minutes passed before the tow truck arrived. Locating a specific rental vehicle for them was a breeze.
Behold Him also means to look at the beauty. The ocean never ceases to fill me with amazement. I hope that I can remember to behold Him as 2022 begins.
A Journey Worth Remembering 