Dear Shepherdesses: In my mind's ear I can hear the strains of "Silent Night, Holy Night" and "O Come, All Ye Faithful" ringing out on the night air as our people carol for missions during this holiday season. I know it is a busy time for us all Ingathering, evangelism, church duties, families to care for, and the extra excitement of seasonal festivities.
A letter from Fern Calkins quotes a philosophy voiced by David Grayson: "The more I look into life, the more things it seems to me I can successfully lack and continue to grow happier. How many kinds of food I do not need, nor cooks to cook them; how many books I never read and pictures that are not worth while! The farther I run the more I feel like casting aside all such impediments, lest I fail to arrive at the far goal of my endeavor." It is something to think about, isn't it? Priorities. Things we can do without that would give us more time to do important things. Taking more time to be holy, reading, praying, and meditating with our Maker on His goodness, instead of being caught in the awful hustle and hurry that has become part of the Christmas tradition. It is important to stop and remember the special blessings we have.
Our December story is written by Marye Trim of Australia. She writes often for other periodicals. She is a wife, mother, teacher, and has served in the mission field. I'm grateful she is sharing her "kodachromes" with us.
I salute each of you at the end of the year that was designated International Woman's Year. It was especially appropriate and thrilling to watch some of the outstanding professional women of our church honored in a special meeting during the General Conference in Vienna. I should like to pay tribute to each of you, who in her own way is making a contribution, spreading the good news of salvation and preparing for the coming of the Lord.
God bless each of you in your service for Him. I wish you all the blessings of this happy season and with Paul, may I say, "Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord" be with you. May the new year bring the fulfillment of your brightest hopes. ---With love, Kay.
