Reflections of the past year

When I think back on this past year, I can't help thinking about all the things I thought I would accomplish but didn't. I know if you are like me, then you probably tell yourself that you are going to do this or that. Yet you don't do it. You get too caught up in the rush of events that you don't take the time to do what really matters to you. Then there is the fact that it takes courage to come out of your comfort zone, and you let things slide until something happens to shake your world.

I have had my share of surprises this past year, but I have also been blessed beyond my comprehension. Getting out of the comfort zone is hard. You expect things to be a certain way, and get irritated when they are not that way. You learn that you need to let go, and let the people around you do the work they need to do. As much as you might like for time to go backwards or at least slow down, you need to accept that it won't.

I recall when it seemed as if time dragged. Now it seems more and more that time is going faster and faster. I guess part of it because I'm getting older. Time doesn't seem as plentiful as it was when I was young. I am still learning to cherish the time I do have, and do the things I say I'm going to do before time runs out.

So, these are my goals for the coming year: To take care of myself more, and stop stressing out about things I can't change. God is in control, and I have to relinquish control. To listen more to others, and stop interfering unless asked to do so. To learn more and be open to new opportunities to learn. To love as Jesus loves. I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me for the tasks ahead.

Christmas time-a time for hope and reflection

My thoughts during this time of year often wander towards a small baby in a manager over two thousand years ago. I ponder the miracle of one child whose destiny was to die for us all, and the fact that with his birth he provided a way for us to connect with God in a way that hasn't been done before. My mind gets "blown away" by the fact that God chose to come down to Earth as a baby so that he could bring us back to himself. He didn't have to do that. He could have left us and started over with another creation.

There is hope with God. He came to be near us. He came to redeem us and to free us from the tyranny of sin and death. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (KJV) Life, not death....Oh, why do we focus in on the decay all around us when the Lord says that he has come to bring us life? I think we're afraid to let go. I think we're afraid that he won't do as he promised. Fools! If we could only understand the sacrifice God made to send his Son to die for us, then we would set aside our fears and embrace the message the God gave us when he sent his Son.

The signs are all around us now. We just need to be open to them.

Unusual times and seasons

Often we don't realize the impact of our actions until it is too late. We try to blame others for what we should have known. We can rationalize, and then tell ourselves that we'll do better next time. Really? Who are we kidding? We live in unusual times, times that sometimes try our souls. We are fools to think that there are not consequences for our actions or that we can borrow and spend like there's no tomorrow.

God knows. His timing is perfect. We see his handiwork all around us, and take too much for granted. In this season, we need to reflect on his first coming and the unusual circumstances surrounding his birth. Then we can fully understand the unusual times and seasons we now live in. We can also let go, hard as it is, of the cherished memories of a simpler time.

I realize as I grow older that my destiny is in God's hands. I admittedly still struggle as I recall the many times he walked me through dark valleys. My heart sometimes still aches as I recall the last time I saw my grandmother lying in that coffin. I then think back and praise God for her.

Old and new friends

I sent my annual Christmas letter today. I like to keep in touch with the people I worked with at the various jobs I've held. I know some will probably throw my letter away without reading it. I don't mind that. I understand that for some, it might seem as if I was being too crass talking about myself. I'm guilty. I know some that look forward to my Christmas letter, not many, I grant you,.but some. I use my Christmas letter as a witness of my love for them, and to share God's love with them.

I recall, with some sadness, the two people that I connected with through the letters who died. I thank God that I was able in a small way to witness to them through the letters before they died. I can't dwell too long on the faces of the people that made their mark on my life and died before I could thank them. When I do, I pray for their families who are still dealing with grief and sadness. I thank God that he allowed them to come into my life and enrich it. Will they be like jewels in the crown I throw at the Lord's feet? I don't know. I'm anxious for that time. Will I be worthy? I know I'm not. So I thank God for his grace.