Looking Ahead

It's hard to believe another year has come and gone.

We say that kind of thing at the beginning of each new year, as though it's never happened before.  Time truly does go quickly, yet it often feels like it's dragging by, especially when we're experiencing difficulties.

Like many of you, I had my fair share of those last year.  In fact, I'm fairly certain 2011 was my most difficult year yet, which frightens me since I know it's very likely that I will have more difficult years in the future.  Possibly even 2012.

But I can't live in fear of the unknown.  God is good and will help me get through whatever challenges arise in this new year, just as He has helped me get through the challenges of years past.

It's equally possible that this new year could be the best year I've ever experienced.  There's no way for any of us to know what this year will hold.  As much as I think I'd like to have a preview or some insight into my future, I don't need to know what lies ahead.  God has already seen it, and that is enough. 

Last year at this time I posted about Hope, and even though we don't have a child yet, I still believe the words from that post.  I don't quite understand what it is about the beginning of a new year that makes me feel so hopeful.  There's nothing magical about it.  January 1st is just another day on the calendar, yet it feels fresh and new. 

In some ways, relocating to Florida has felt like a fresh new start.  Not that we wanted to leave our old life... our friends... our family.  But here we are -- together! -- and that is so much better than living apart for 5 months.  Trust me.

Now that we're starting to get settled, and we have this brand new year, it's like we have a clean slate with unlimited possibilities.  Well, almost unlimited.  ;)  Do I miss my family and friends?  Absolutely.  But I also can't suppress a little excitement over what what this new year may hold for us.  And that feels pretty darn good.  :)

Happy New Year, friends!  I hope you will look forward with me.

"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back." Philippians 3:13-14 (The Message)