A New Beginning

The anticipation of a new year always makes us look forward and wonder what the coming year holds. For me, 2008 will be my daughter's graduation and departure for college. It will be my first empty nest year, a time I have dreaded since I cherish being a mother so much. And yet I will still be a mother. Just one with less control. That scares me. In some ways, I wonder if it will be a bit more freeing, though. Will there be less worry? If so, I should look forward to that!

But while looking forward, I also want to look back. This year has been a time of learning more and more about how God works. Learning to trust Him. Realizing how very little control I actually have - over anything. And being OK with that. The God of the Universe is in control - and He's much more qualified than I am.

We struggled with many things this year - our daughter's chronic fatigue, some high school issues, questions about our career directions in the future and more. Yet God has brought us to the new year with grateful hearts. He is faithful. He can be trusted. We're ready for 2008.

A New Beginning

Once, when I was young and dreaded getting older, a wise retired college professor said to me, "It's so good to grow older with God." I felt a sense of relief. You mean it gets better as you get older, I thought? You mean knowing God longer is a good thing and not more of the same? Life doesn't become more boring as you age?

What she meant was that the more you know God, the more exciting your spiritual journey becomes as you discover deeper truths. The more insight you have to impart to others. The more blessing you receive as you see God work in and through you. His faithfulness becomes a matter of routine and yet amazement.

So the challenge is to see the drama and wonder in learning more while enjoying the treasures of being wiser. Now I get it.