The End

"God, it's the end of the world, and I'm still 15 minutes late." -Penny {Seeking A Friend for the End of the World}

Today I: went to work; made coffee; answered phones; answered questions; greeted co-workers, children, and families; drank coffee; sang Christmas tunes; ate chocolate; responded to emails; listened; responded to hurting children; prayed; did the chicken dance with excited first and second graders; pinned on birthday ribbons; wrote out Christmas cards for families with gift cards; handed out cards; received cards and Christmas goodies; gave out hugs; passed out mail; laughed; ate more chocolate; remembered to breathe deep and smile when I didn't feel like it; came home; hugged husband; hugged boy; went on errand; played with cats; started laundry; made dinner; lit candles; put on music; said "I love you"; read; blogged...

And it has been a good day. 

Some people believed that the end of the Mayan cycle meant that today would be the end of the world, or maybe the beginning of catastrophic events would commence. And there is so much hype surrounding this theory. Doomsday preppers and shows about the Apocalypse have been pervasive. Overall, I guess it just makes me sad that so many people are fearful. I actually had a few parents say they were keeping their children home because of the alleged prediction. They mentioned that their children were afraid. They were afraid. 

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." Luke 2: 8-11

In the sending of a Savior, a reminder to not be afraid because there is joy for ALL because of He who was born to save us. 

And one day it will be our last. One day the time we have on this earth will come to an end. Yet, I am not afraid because I know that there is nothing that can separate me from God's love. 

This is the love that came down at Christmas time. This is the sacrificial love that bled out on a tree. This is what causes me to hold on {even when things of this world are scary. and horrible. and heart-wrenching}.