Hello, dear reader, how are you doing at this beautiful time of year?  

I say "reader" out of habit, though it seems a bit disingenuous since I so rarely write something to read these days. It rather seems I should greet anyone who comes to visit as a long-lost friend and indeed, if you're still here, that is probably what you are.   

My head is filled with the wonders of life, as usual.  School is out and my children are home for the holidays.  I've enjoyed my return to university beyond my wildest dreams, but I'm glad for this break and the rest from a busier schedule.  

Last Tuesday, Izzy was in a serious accident on her way to school. Though her car was demolished from every angle, the driver's side was left unscathed and she walked away from it with minor injuries.  I've been trying to compose my thoughts on the matter since it happened...the quiet numbness I feel whenever life lays bare the stakes of what is most dear to me, my awe at Izzy's resilience, this daughter who has struggled with grave challenges the past several years, the deep humility I feel in knowing she was protected from what could have been much worse, and the inevitable awareness that sometimes such deliverance isn't given, and what that means to me in terms of how I view life and choose my path accordingly.

I'm struck by the thought the only guarantee in this unpredictable world is the extent of my faith in God.  I say this with respect to those holding different beliefs, but I've learned for myself this is my steadiest footing: to believe in Him with a resolution that allows me to be grateful when my prayers are answered according to my requests, and to turn to Him for greater strength when the answer brings disappointment or breaks my heart for what it is unable to grant.