Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.

Romans 12:2 (NCV)

2022 is almost over. This has been a rough year for the Blumbergs. Between several falls that Mark experienced and vision issues for me, we have kept doctors, physical therapists, and occupational therapists busy. A new year brings new hope and that is what we all need.

Not only has our life been chaotic, but our world has also been. The war in Ukraine continues, especially at Christmas I thought of all that the people are enduring…the cold, the bombing, fear, and chaos. It hit home on Christmas Day as we woke up with the heater blowing cold air rather than warm. We live in Arizona so it was not like living in Boston or Kyiv but it was uncomfortable. Sweaters and extra blankets were pulled out of the closet. We live in an apartment complex where we can call maintenance for service but it was Sunday and Christmas. The office was closed. I sent a message that we needed help but not to worry about it that day. That night I spent a fair amount of time whining and complaining to God about the situation, finally, yielding to his will and asking Him for patience and help.

Monday morning I was walking Rusty around 7 am and noticed one of the maintenance guys checking on the pool. I wanted to speak to him but he was on the other side of the pool, however, he turned and walked over close enough for me to speak without having to yell. I’m on a first-name basis with these guys since we have been here almost five years so he knew me. I told him my problem and he said he would be over after he got some tools. When he arrived about twenty minutes later, he told me he was not even supposed to be on-site that day. Twenty more minutes, the sweet sound of the heater starting up, and a gentle flow of warm air filled the room. Thank you, God and Edgar.

I have chosen a “Word for the Year” for the past ten years. As I prayed for what word God wanted for me this year, the word “adapt” filled my heart and mind. Adapting is not easy for me, as evidenced by the heater story, so  I will be looking and listening for a new way of thinking, trusting that He will provide what I need when I need it. He has done it in the past, I know He will do it in the future.