Reflection

Geoff and Acacia at Musana Camps (Eastern Uganda)

Reflecting not only on the past two+ months, but also the past two years brings a welling up of the deep joy that resides in our family. A simple trip home for a few months in December 2012, to a cancer journey in 2013, back to Uganda a little over a year ago and now a new December and Christmas are upon us! 2014--full of deepening relationships, painful good-byes, joyous hellos, being an intimate part of a dear friend’s cancer journey, and maneuvering the daily walk amidst our “work.” 

It is fitting that this most beloved holiday season begins with giving thanks. And giving thanks begins with remembering.  Actively and thoughtfully ruminating on the memories of where and what He has brought us from and to; His love and care; provision and gifts; strength and security, healing. With Him we have true and abundant life. Without Him is the death of all things. “In Him we live and move and have our being,” Acts 17.

The Nile at Karuma Falls (Southwestern Uganda)

From Thanksgiving to Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday, then Christmas and the New Year. That progression speaks volumes. It must begin with remembering reasons to give thanks. But many forget immediately, moving to self-indulgence. Giving Tuesday regains focus offering a chance to give above and beyond to something outside of the self, and finally a gaze to the One, the Christ who gives REAL life, and the opportunity to enter the New Year with heart still fixed on Him. He is the ultimate gift, may we respond in kind.

Sunset at Midigo (Northwestern Uganda)

As you remember, look forward. How can you be more present to Him? How can you respond to Him? How can you express your thanks and love to Him? How can you give?

Give. Not just of your financial resources, your time, your abilities, but from the heart of yourself. To what? To Your creator, the One from who all blessings flow. The blessing of life, love, work and rest all come from Him.

Thanksgiving to Him, our source of abundant life.

Blessings from our home to yours.

In this next week, during the transitions from Thanksgiving to shopping to giving, please remember the work that goes on here at New Hope. There is much to do and many needs. Our website is a good resource of information on opportunities to give to ministry that reflects the heart of God for the widow and orphan. 

www.newhopeuganda.org (The link on the sidebar will take you there.)

Mothers and babies in Yumbe (Northwestern Uganda)