My aunt Dixie says, "Life is all about learning to recover." In my devotion a few days ago, Beth Moore wrote "Christ gave us the ministry of reconciliation." Both of these phrases insinuate constant action: learnING and ministry. Both phrases assume a constant need for recovery and reconciliation. Both writers know the brokenness of this world we live in - both have experienced deep pain and heartache and both have been redeemed and reconciled to God the Father through His deep love and mercy for us, given through Jesus Christ.

With a little time off of work to ponder the miracle of (in the words of my five year old nephew) "The maker of us coming to live with us" - KNOW that "the maker of us" came to redeem the brokenness and loss of the past year or years. He came so that our sorrow may be turned into gladness. He came so that we may live for eternity with our heavenly Father. Praise Him!

This year, allow God to continue His good work of reconciliation and recovery in your heart - and then go into a hurting and broken world to help others learn to recover and be reconciled with God, and with each other - through Christ's love and mercy constantly covering and redeeming.

..."while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:13-14