"Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured into our hearts."
Romans 5:2-5
Washed in the rosy glow of the winter's sunset Ballard rooftops silently watch the city end its work day. I watch the rooftops and the playground filled with latch-key kids racing about in the quickly waning light. Once again I am amazed, and slightly befuddled as to the grace of God in our life. Our simple life here in Ballard, overlooking the playground and suburbia in the heart of the city, is more than I could have ever hoped for in my wild days. Three years ago I shudder to think of the place I put myself into. Now day after day, through the last 2 1/2 years God has softened my heart, lifted me from the "depths of despair" I so willingly sank myself into time and time again, reached out his eternal grace and brought me a wonderful husband who loves me, shepherds me, and leads our little family with a Christ-centered heart.
The sun is rapidly disappearing and the deep blue of winter night comes early. Street lamps are illuminating one at a time. Our apartment is still dark as I wait for my love to come home. Today has been one of those days where like the streetlamps I fight to keep the darkness at bay. Memories wash over me with never-ending images and names and I cling to the grace made abundantly clear in my life.
Orange glow of lamps against the indigo sky. I love this city. I love our life!
