Monday, December 31, 2012

Roses in December



"God gave us memory so that we may have
roses in December"

James Matthew Barrie
 
Just before Christmas, I arrived home one afternoon as the sun slanted low on the horizon, illuminating this indomitable rose. I rushed indoors, dropped my purse and bags, grabbed my camera and took this photo before the last light slipped away. 

Memory is a gift. It's an amazing bit of God's creative genius that everything we see, do, hear, smell, taste, feel and think is stored away inside our brain. Retrieval of all that information is perhaps not as reliable as we would like, but still, with little effort, we can remember both the good, the not-so-good, and the terrible, of the past. Some memories we would rather not have, but there they are, seared forever in the mind. Others we wish we could remember more clearly, wanting to hold tightly to each minute detail. Memory is a fickle thing, often untrustworthy because of its utter subjectivity. Each of us remembers an event differently. Just ask your siblings about certain events of childhood.

As 2012 draws to a close, many of us sift through our collection of memories, holding this one and that one up to the light, smiling a little, shedding a tear, nodding, and sighing, as a myriad of emotions sweeps over us. Marking time by memory, we remember past joys and past sorrows. Today, I'm casting my mind back over the past 365 days, but once that's done, there's a wonderful new year ahead, full of potential and unknown opportunity. 
 

Yesterday morning we left the house early to take our daughter and son-in-law to catch the 9 am ferry back to Vancouver. Once again, the light caught my attention. On the way back into town, we stopped in Sidney and took a very short walk along the waterfront, out onto the pier and back. I didn't have my Nikon with me, but snapped these photos with my I-Phone. 
 

A new day and a new year dawn. Behind the clouds shines the light. As I move into 2013, which will surely hold its full allotment of both joy and sorrow, my prayer is that I will remember that the One who is the Light of the World is always with me. I pray the same for each of you, my readers. I want to embrace 2013 with arms flung wide in welcome. A year of abundant life awaits.

13 comments:

  1. Lovely quote, perfectly illustrated...Happy New Year!!!!

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  2. Beautiful reflections, Lorrie! I love the roses in December comparisson to our memory. It's been a good year and I've enjoyed our visits this past year. Wishing you continued blessings for the new year ahead.

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  3. Lorrie this is a wonderful post with a great image to go with it! I don't know how life would be without memory, but certainly have experienced observing others with memory loss, and how sad it is. Thanks for posting this!

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  4. A beautiful post for the year's end...and the new year's dawning! Thank-you. Love the idea of having 'roses in December' through our memories.

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  5. Beautiful photos Lorrie and a thoughtful post. I feel like the new year is full of promise too, although I don't know why! It is surreal being recognized from the blog. This lady came up to me, grabbed my arm and said "I read your blog and I love it" and then she dashed off. I didn't even have a chance to engage. I guess she didn't want to be stalker-ish, but it is even more funny when someone actually talks to you but doesn't tell you!!

    Butchart must have been beautiful. If I lived there I would have a season's pass. It is heaven on earth.

    Have a very Happy New Year! xo Terri

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  6. Ohhhhh...I need to share your enthusiasm for a new year just because the alternative is grim and because of the promise...abundant life.

    I'm shocked that these photos were taken with an iPhone. Perhaps it has more to do with the photographer than the camera after all. =D

    Enjoy a lovely evening...

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  7. Lovely. . . . Happy New Year!

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  8. This is a beautiful essay, Lorrie. As I read, I could imagine myself taking out those memories and holding them up, the ones that brought (bring) sorrow, and the ones that brought (bring) joy. Yes, memory is indeed a gift. And yes, it is good to look ahead with confidence in His plan.

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  9. Happy New Year, Lorrie. Roses in December - we have them in reality but the thought of them is just so much more poignant. I wish you and your family all the best of 2013.

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  10. What an absolutely GORGEOUS & thoughtful post, Lorrie! I can almost smell that beautiful rose. Your words, both here & on my blog tonight, touched my heart. You have always had that wonderful ability to capture in words as well as photos (even with an iphone!) things that I see & appreciate as well...only YOU say it better!

    A Blessed & Happy New Year!!
    Hugs,
    Rett

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  11. Beautiful posting, Lorrie! And wonderful photos to go with your lovely thoughts and wishes for the new year!

    Wishing you grace for the journey and may each day in 2013 bring glimpses of heaven in unexpected places to cheer the way.

    Hugs,
    Brenda

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  12. What a lovely post! You have a wonderful way with words! Lovely images, too. Wishing you and yours a year filled with peace, joy and love. Tammy

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  13. Beautiful post.... praying for a blessed 2013...

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Thank you for your comment. I read and value each one, cherishing the connections we can make although far apart. Usually, I visit your blog in return, although if you ask a question I try to contact you directly.

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