Christmas 2023
To my Contract Lumber family:
It is again that time of year where, if we are lucky, we gather with family and friends and celebrate traditions with the people we hold most dear. With the smell of fresh-baked cookies in the oven and all of my kids at home to make the house feel joyfully chaotic, I can’t help but feel that I am among the incredibly lucky this year.
It is also the time of year that I try to take a moment alone, slowing down and looking back at the past twelve months. If I were to focus solely on what the news would give me as a recap of 2023, it would be easy to fall into despair (although Kellie is quick to remind me that Taylor and Travis would be part of that recap and this is good news?). The world can feel like too big of a mess to clean-up and when it feels like this, I find myself going back to my faith.
The first Christmas was celebrated in a chaotic time. In circumstances that would seem too messy to ever clean-up, God provided a gift that would clean-up all messes in perpetuity. He provided a reason for hope and rejoicing in a situation that would otherwise seem hopeless. What a beautiful reminder to a world that is so often searching for comfort.
Looking forward, this steels me for whatever might be ahead. The efforts of every single person in this work family has ensured that we have had great success this past year. I am optimistic looking to the future but also know that if and when there are bumps in the road, there is always reason for hope and joy and celebration. To be able to look forward with this work family alongside me is yet another way that I know I am among the incredibly lucky.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you and your families.
Sincerely,
Jim Bieser
“8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”