Goodbye Old, Hello New Year!

Endings make me sad. When I finish a good book, I often wish I was at the beginning again. When I leave my family after a visit, it makes me cry. The end of a year brings memories of the losses incurred. For example, during this past year I lost three dear loved ones. And many of the women in the class I teach lost their jobs.

But the year also contained much for which I am thankful. Though I lost my job last year (when the extension site at which I worked closed), my husband is still employed (Yea God). During the past twelve months, I have observed some of the women in my flock (i.e., the adult Sunday school class I teach) grow spiritually. God provided some adjunct teaching opportunities and also gave some success to my freelance writing efforts. And I finally reshelved all the books I used for my doctoral dissertation (probably TMI, but, nevertheless, no small feat).

The best part of endings is that they make way for beginnings. I am excited about the New Year, though I have no clue what God has planned. That used to really irritate me, but living in the Dark Night of the Soul has changed me. I am learning to wait on God. Patiently. Almost contentedly (God still has some work to do there). I'm planning to practice some new disciplines in the New Year, and trust God will bear fruit in my life in his timing.

How about you? Are you ready for a new beginning? Got any plans to change what needs to be changed in your life? Don't delay. The New Year is upon us!

Father, thank you for your faithfulness, presence, blessings, and loving kindness in the past year. Please continue to lead and guide us in the coming year, and help us to obediently follow your commands. In Jesus' name, amen.