Reviewing 2025

At the tail end of 2024, some bombs dropped. They were not ones we saw coming. We lost some very close friends. Ones we thought would be part of our lives forever. The love of my life became very sick and almost succumbed to his illness. A job change was in the works. Needless to say, my world was exploding all around me.

Then 2025 came knocking on our door. I could have sworn the Lord's word for me was....complete and utter silence. Most times there would be something instilled in me, but this time it was quiet. No nuthin'!

Struggling to find closure but stressed out. I trusted Him. That was easy and hard at the same time.

I thought OK this is how were going to start it. One step at a time. Do what was familiar, but it wasn't the same. Things had definitely changed. The husband was still healing. He'd take about a week or so off to do therapy, but he was itching to get back to work. I tried to keep him home for a bit longer just to make sure, but little did I know he'd be home for a lot longer than even I had imagined.

I had started a new job, maneuvering through a new town, new coworkers, new routes and then coming home to check on him.

Meanwhile, I have all this time on the road to think. So I mull over why's for a while. All bringing back too many memories. It was right about this time that my father had gotten ill and the long journey into January and February. I cried a lot. I'm like Lord...please do not do this to me again.

2025 took on a life all its own.

Never did I expect the torrential rain that would flood our life, nor did I expect my faith to be tested like it was.

We began 2025 almost like we ended 24, with bombs still dropping!!

In January, we lost a beloved friend to illness.

In January, the husband would lose his job and would be unable to find work for 6+ months. Searching high and low for a place to reemploy, we couldn't figure out why. He had all this experience? I was having difficulty with all of it. I couldn't support us. We were grateful that we had a little to fall back on, but it was hardly enough to take us to the summer. As much as I trusted the Lord to make our way visible, I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. It was dark, and still no word from the Lord. I was concerned and it showed.

I leaned on Him every day. Months went by. I talked candidly with Him on my drive into work each morning. I cried a lot. There was deep discussion. I was scared.

I prayed every day, we prayed every day. Trusting. We had to keep living life.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with Thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and minds through Christ Jesus" Phil 4:6-7

In the meantime, the husband would do what he does best... Love me.

He would take on the role of "stay at home hubby" while he was waiting on the Lord.

He would wake up with me at o dark thirty, making my breakfast, helping me get my things together and praying with me before sending me off to work. Running errands, doing the grocery shopping, cleaning the house. He spoiled me.

It was by this time I kept hoping something would happen that would keep him home with me for the rest of the year. I loved coming home and finding him there waiting for me.

Then the phone rang...

Regrettably, there is another setback. We lose his father in the early spring. Wow, just wow!! My heart broke. They were very close so I knew the blow would be painful.

Then the phone rang again...

Just like that, he was back to work. Much better than we ever dreamed.

I was sad and happy all at the same time. It was a huge relief, but I was going to miss him, his presence, his conversation. We had truly grown so much closer, tighter, bonded.

It was a blessing to have a partner help lead me to the cross in our trial. It was through our praying together, his encouragement, and love that helped me to take the steps I needed to move through each day.

But the story doesn't end there.

As the year progresses on, we both encounter our own cancer scares. Thankfully, mine came back benign. Unfortunately, he wasn't in the same camp. We start the process of removal and radiation. Grateful that he is not terminal. Not even close but a scare nonetheless.

This is how we finish 25. We laugh. Nervously?!?!

I don't believe in coincidences. Everything happens for a reason, good or bad. There is always a purpose behind the things we experience. It makes us stronger. In my case, it strengthened my faith. There was unbelievable peace in my life throughout the year. It was one that absolutely surpassed my understanding. I am still not sure what was behind the Lord's silence, but I am believing that in the unknown, in the darkness, I needed to draw closer and be still, letting him do the work, surrendering my will for His.

As I walk into 2026, I will TRUST that the Lord know best.

Happy New Year!!

Tight hugs,

Mauds