A New Year Filled with Hope
December 28, 2023 — Gary and Laura House
Ringing in the new year always brought joy to our family. On New Year's Eve, we spent time looking back over the previous year, prepared a special meal, and occasionally “watched the ball drop”, anticipating the fresh and exciting opportunities the new year would bring. And when we woke up on January 1, we would continue the festivities by visiting extended family, playing games, and finishing up the Christmas movies we hadn’t yet seen during the holiday season. It was a time of relaxation and hopeful expectancy for what was to come.
But for those who have lost someone dear, the new year may not bring thoughts of fresh and exciting opportunities, but instead, a gut-wrenching reminder that navigating another whole year without their loved one will be difficult.
What do we have to look forward to in the new year and beyond? That question is vital and timely for all of us, whether or not we are in the midst of grief. Regardless of what 2024 brings, we are standing on more than the cusp of a new year.
We can look forward to the future; not merely to the hopeful expectations of a new year, but the promise that one day, we will spend eternity with Jesus and those we love. Revelation 21:4 describes our future well. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Until that day, may we each strive to know Him more intimately and take every opportunity to touch the lives of those who are around us. While we are still here, let us continue to “run the race.” Hebrews 12: 1-2 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Throughout our earthly journeys, there will be more valleys, but we can know that we are being held by our Creator and sustained by His unending love for us until the day we are truly home. One of the most precious promises that encourages us daily is this, “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Jesus gives us the hope we need to look forward. May we be firmly planted in His promises as we embark upon a new year.
Until then…
Upcoming January / February Events (Webinars and conferences are open to everyone. All other events are for bereaved parents only.)
January 2: Monthly Support Groups (online)
January 6: Gathering for Parents with Multiple Losses (Dave & Janet Boxx)
January 13: Gathering for Moms (Carol Brown)
January 17: Book Study begins - Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy (Lisa Thacker)
January 20: Gathering for Dads - (Gary House)
February 4: Thirty minute monthly prayer time - (Gary & Laura House)
February 5: Webinar - From Our Hearts to Yours (Laura House/Melanie DeSimone)
February 19: Book Study begins - Lessons from a Broken Heart (Gary & Laura House)
The next semester of GriefShare begins March 13.
For a complete calendar of events with links to register, click here.
Finishing 2023 to Prepare for 2024
If you are still planning to make a tax-deductible contribution before the end of the year, we hope you might consider partnering with Our Hearts Are Home to bring comfort, community, and hope in Christ to bereaved parents in 2024.
Gifts can be given here.
