Welcome 2007
I am usually not one that sees a lot of significance in New Years. The days continue to come and go pretty much the same way that they have for thousands of years, right? But I must admit, that I am beginning to see the value of measuring time and seasons. It is a great way to really get perspective at where we have been and evaluate how the journey is going.
I seem to talk a lot about “the journey” aspect of things lately. Maybe that is why numbering my days seems to make more sense now. I have come to realize that there is so much more to life than the destination. While our ending point is important, so is the way that we get there.
2006 was one of the most difficult years of my life, but it was probably the best as well. My wife and I had a little girl in the spring, and my little “oo-uh” girl has brought infinite joy into our home. She is a blessing, an abundant blessing. Watching my wife enjoy being a mom has got to be in the top 5 pleasures of my entire life. She is so good with the baby. She is very attentive and loving, and while there are times when she get’s “mommy fatigue”, she always seems to be thinking about what is best for the baby.
As I said earlier, 2006 was also difficult. There was adversity in many areas, but that is a part of life. The fact is, that God has been faithful through every trial and He has been doing great things in the midst of adversity.
I could spend time coming up with how I could have avoided certain pitfalls, or what I could have done better, but I do not think that there is much long term value in not letting go of last months mess. Don’t get me wrong, I believe we should learn from our mistakes. I believe that it is wisdom to not repeat the same blunder over and over, but there must be a time where we stop looking over our shoulder at yesterday, and reach on towards the finish line ahead.
I believe that I have spent time looking over 2006. I have reviewed the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. I have been able to get perspective as to the size of some setbacks, but I have also had the joy of marking progress and growth.
However, 2006 is over. I cannot live in it any longer. It is time to walk into the New Year. For the first time that I can remember, I actually sensed a shift at midnight on New Years morning. I was spending it with several friends who are a part of our missional community. For 4 of these friends, this was there first New Years with Jesus. We spent the last hours of ‘06 worshipping and praying, and when midnight came and we dropped the bulb, (we ended up dropping and subsequently destroying a perfectly good light bulb as a way to keep several “ball watchers at our little gathering!) there was actually some sort of change. Almost like the first real “spring” day after a long winter. You could just tell that something was different. One of my friends said that at midnight, she felt clean and refreshed. Another one of the guys went from being very quiet and subdued, to being really alive and full of joy. I am not saying that it was magical or anything, I am just saying that I gained a new appreciation for time and seasons.
So, Goodbye 2006. So long, adios and farewell. Welcome 2007. We embrace all of the newness that you bring and pledge to live life to the full, because we know that it won’t belong before we are saying so long to you.
Yay God.