A NEW Year

The year 2006 will go down in my history book as a tough year. Ringing in the New Year was done with a quiet but joyful celebration. The last of our family flew home yesterday so last night I had some time to reflect over the year. Some phrases that immediately flashed in my mind were:

Don’t let disappointments stop you from new challenges
God is rarely early but never late
Moving is exhausting
God gives children to younger parents– for very good reasons
Calling 911 is terrifying
Friends are often God-with-skin-on in tense moments
Anticipate new opportunities for service
Life is fragile – stay connected with loved ones
Grandgirlies are a constant joy

I know that God has been at work in my life this year. Yet, there are moments when I felt like saying STOP…I have had enough! However, through all the times of heartache, exhaustion, grief, fear and longing, He has been by my side with love, comfort, strength, guidance, wisdom and health. I should not be surprised that life has its ups and downs for in James 1:2-6 (NLT), it says, Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. The remarkable fact is that God has the most freedom to do His will when I am the weakest. My faith and trust must be in Him alone and that is why it is a step by step walk…not a sprint. His guide book only includes a daily journey. So, Welcome, 2007! Let’s get going!!!