And still, hope

I've meant to get here for some time. I've meant to say a few things about spring and new life and hope. It's been one thing after another, though, and Im just now getting here.

We've been sick. It started with the kids and ended with me and finally Sandra. That took about a month to leave the house and we're just now getting back to normal.

Our yard was flooded, and we feared the same destruction that took place two weeks after moving into this house. The yard was under about 6 inches of water for a good part of the last month. Thankfully, the drainage system we put in place 8 years ago held true and our basement was dry.

We're reeling from medical bills. Sometimes I wonder how we'll pay them.

But still, I'm glad to say that we are hopeful. I think it comes less from the stimulus package or from the sunshine that has been far too elusive. It's from more than our desire for things to get better, or from our improving health. It comes from deep inside - from those places that only seem necessary when you're in dire straights.

It's from knowing without question that all this is temporary. Knowing that the economy is only a means to an end, as are the water-soaked basements and never-ending envelopes asking for money. It's in knowing that when all is said and done, we have fought the good fight and done our best - and in exactly Who gave us the strength to fight it.

Praise the Lord, He is faithful and true. His lovingkindness endures forever.