There is no doubt in my mind that this has been an interesting year. I haven’t journaled for a while, this thing called life stepped into the path and no alternatives existed for me to sit down and ponder.
Now, with a week away from work, I sit looking out the window across the way, and see a gorgeous blue sky, green rolling hill with avocado groves, and people in the middle of it all going to and fro. Everyone has a destination. It’s like a moth to the flame, drawn by compulsion to do something all the time, to keep busy, to get stuff and continuously make every lame attempt to stay ahead of every new fad out there. Then on the flip side living in Southern California presents with the constant need for people to stay in the best physical shape possible, cycling, running – and then in a moment, it can all change.
It surely has much to do with what our values are, what we perceive as important, and how we define who we become tomorrow, spurred on by peer pressure and the need to constantly conform to ever changing goal posts. I have asked myself the same questions; how much will my life be impacted and changed if I don’t have the latest designer wear and gear? What if I don’t lease the latest vehicle that can park itself? What if I don’t work around the clock to save for a ‘rainy day’ or one of life’s altering events? I am not saying any of this is wrong, actually there is wisdom in setting aside for an emergency, but I notice that so much of this madness defines who we are as individuals, and we lose sight and track of what might be the original plan and purpose for our presence.
As I close out 2011 and look forward to what lies ahead in 2012, I am amazed at God’s kindness and faithfulness. He has been exceptionally good to me. My hope and prayer for you is that you can say the same, and that despite the hard knocks life has dealt – 2012 will be a year of blessing, opportunity and stability.
Knowing that many have had a year of difficulty, sadness and hardship, let these words bring you comfort moving forward into a new and amazing year…
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
