Grateful!

Wow, every time we come to the end, we ask ourselves: Where has the year gone?

The years fly by so quickly, and before we know it, we’re back to making New Year’s resolutions. That’s just how life works, as long as we make sure that in all the rushing, every detour brings us back to God’s way for our lives.

I turned 60 on Monday. Zero to 60 in 60 years! What a record!

Our children gave me a precious book full of messages from friends and family. On the front it says: Gerjo Ben, Dad, Gertjie, GB, my Love, Bennie, Gert, Brother, Daddy, Big Brother, Uncle Ben, Bra B.

Inside are photos from when I was a baby, photos with my brothers and sisters. I was the unplanned baby, but God’s plan was bigger …

There are school photos of friends who’re still part of my life. Friends who regularly look for a reason to throw some meat on the coals.

I was startled when I saw my long hair in the student band photo. Wow, we visited a lot of places and had a lot of fun.

Even my in-laws wrote beautiful words.

With tears in my eyes, I see my children growing up from infancy. Gratitude fills my tank again for the woman who tries to keep up with me and pick up the pieces when I rush too quickly to tackle new things.

I experience again the campfires where a group of our friends sit together while we chat and sniff the aromas of the wine.

A few Crossroads readers also wrote messages. It makes me feel small, because as many of them say, my stick is crooked, but the ball still rolls into the hole. And then I realize, there must be a God, because only He can hit a straight shot with a crooked stick.

And I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Grateful that God can use us, even though our sticks are crooked. Grateful that He has provided every month for the past 13 years. Not only the bread, but also jam and sometimes cheese too!

That is why I just want to say thank you today. Thank you for allowing Crossroads to come to you. Thank you for opening yourself up to hear God’s Word in today’s words. And thank you for allowing God to stir in you through His Spirit.

May this Christ-festival season touch you deeply again. May gratitude overwhelm you, even if you sometimes stumble on your difficult path. And may you express that gratitude through acts of kindness to others who deserve it just as little as we do.

Many blessings, shalom, and lots of joy until we see each other again next year.

I am very excited about what lies ahead. We are starting with new writing that focuses on building an intimate relationship with God. May He help and guide us in this!

(And here at the end I may as well insert the “ad break”: My new book, Breath, will arrive here from India in January. It is a daily devotional book in full colour for people who sometimes struggle, for people who want to learn more about God, and for people who want to understand more of their own heart in order to live closer to God’s will. Feel free to buy for yourself and for friends. It is an investment in their path with God!)

Much love and lots of blessings!

Gerjo Ben and Renata

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