As I sit to write this blog I am so conscious of the room in
which I have private and comfortable
space to think, pray, meditate, write. I’m overwhelmed by my memories of
our recent mission trip to Cambodia and the families we visited in the only
homes they’ve known. A few boards above the filthy ground, a sheet of plastic
or iron for protection, a meagre selection of pots and pans to cook with,
perhaps a hammock for a bed.
Despite the amazing capacity of the children to smile in spite of their circumstances, their lives scream in stark contrast to our four bedroom home, our acre of gardened land, our every convenience and luxury. Many feeling rush in with my memories; horror, sadness, repulsion, anger at the corruption and oppression which has led to such poverty, a sense of hopelessness for the children and their future prospects, and also gut wrenching questions.
Despite the amazing capacity of the children to smile in spite of their circumstances, their lives scream in stark contrast to our four bedroom home, our acre of gardened land, our every convenience and luxury. Many feeling rush in with my memories; horror, sadness, repulsion, anger at the corruption and oppression which has led to such poverty, a sense of hopelessness for the children and their future prospects, and also gut wrenching questions.
Why am I here and they there? How do I respond to what I have seen and experienced. How come I have the life of relative ease and opportunity that is mine? Some good choices, hard work and determination, I believe, but also a huge amount of undeserved grace and inexplicable good fortune.
What I can do about the lives of these people in Cambodia is
little, but I can make sure I remain aware of my blessings and never take for
granted the opportunities I have. Each time I sit at my computer, in my
comfortable chair, with a full stomach and a cup of coffee, I can thank God for
my lot, and be reminded that whatever first world problems I may face today
–Internet down, interruptions to my plans, a crowd in the supermarket, a
traffic holdup, a paragraph that just won’t come together – I
have no cause to complain or feel sorry for myself, and so many things to be
grateful for. I can pray regularly for those less fortunate, hungry, in danger,
in bad health or without hope. I can continue to do the little I can to improve
their lives and prospects.
So as I begin my year of writing, complete preparation for
the release of my new novel and play with ideas for the next, my most prominent
resolution is to keep in perspective the challenges I face and to give thanks,
often and heartfelt, for the privileges of my life.
No doubt many of you also face challenges in the year ahead. Perhaps you have mountains to climb and valleys to go through. I pray that we all may be aware of the grace of God and His love that reaches into the darkest and seemingly hopeless places of all life. Sometimes it is our words, our writing, our actions, our prayers, which carry that love and hope. What a privilege!
Carol Preston
No doubt many of you also face challenges in the year ahead. Perhaps you have mountains to climb and valleys to go through. I pray that we all may be aware of the grace of God and His love that reaches into the darkest and seemingly hopeless places of all life. Sometimes it is our words, our writing, our actions, our prayers, which carry that love and hope. What a privilege!
Carol Preston
Carol writes historical novels based on her family ancestry
in Australia from the First Fleet. They include the Turning the Tide series;
Mary’s Guardian, Charlotte’s Angel, Tangled Secrets and Truly Free. Her earlier
novels Suzannah’s Gold and Rebecca’s Dream have been re-released by EBP. Her novel, Next of Kin, was released this year by Rhiza Press and the sequel, Beyond the Fight, is due for release this April. You can see more
about Carol and her novels on her website, her Amazon author page or FB author page.
