I am sure that no one really likes to wait......yet much of our lives we find ourselves in 'waiting-mode'. We have left something that we knew and we are heading towards something that is new. It is precisely this time that is crucial and where we find ourselves wondering. Are we crazy to have left the secure shores of the predictable and head towards that which is unknown?  That is where we find ourselves longing to be back or where we feel kind of lost. Yet we can also turn these creative energies to looking what is right in front of us. The beauty of the moment, the peace of mind to contemplate the present and find a place where we can meet the Omicient one who never leaves or forsakes us. This is the place where we will find the one who speaks words of comfort and grace. This is where we find wisdom in listening to His still small voice. This is what I want to do today as I look after my 2 incredible grand daughters while they finger, arm and face paint right in front of me. A time to enjoy and a time to engage with the moment which wil be a memory forever. 

 It must have been very unsettling for Joseph and Mary to leave their home and not know where the birth of their first would take place. Usually one would make sure everything was well prepared and yet it did not quite work out as they had planned. It was a very uncertain time for them. Yet in all of their uncertainty God already provided a place for them to have their baby. A little different than what they had hoped for, nevertheless a place that had been prepared long ago, a place that seers saw long before. Our uncertainties are often creative moments for the Holy Spirit to show us things we never thought could ever be possible. It does not always feel good or comfy, but is actually a place of growth and discovery.

Maybe some of us feel this uncertainty and you do not know how things will look like as your path unfolds. In a way we feel like that as well at this point in our lives. A good friend of ours wrote us a small note saying: 'Enjoy these days with family and hang on to your adventuring and free spirit. God will open the doors for you.' That is our wish for all of our friends as well....'Enjoy the times you have with your friends and family, but do not give up on your hopes'.

Snow all around, after rain and wind in the Netherlands. Germany is different and snow sure fits the season of the year. We are about to embarken on a Christmas Market tour in Esslingen close to Stuttgart. Visiting with great friends (Christian and Sina amd later Ralf & Uli) and catching up on what's happening. We are certainly feeling the uncertainty of the season we are in, having left Canada, our home and many good friends. Yet also anticipating what is ahead....lots of surpirises I am sure....one thing we are learning is to living in the moment now and to leave any feeling of uncertainty in Gods hands.