Well, it’s here… The last day of 2015.
How was your year, friend?
Did it go as planned?
Many of us are looking back and reflecting today. December 31 can be an emotional day for some as we pause to think through the last 365 days. Thumbing back through the year’s pages can bring up many memories and feelings… both good, and not-so-good. It can resurface hard and challenging times, as well as joys and mountain-top experiences. We can be reminded of our failures and faults, yet also celebrate our triumphs and victories.
It also can be an exciting day or a day filled with apprehension as we peer into the new year that’s just ahead of us. What will the next 365 days hold? Will it be a good year, a year full of hope and joy? Will it be a challenging and a growth-filled year? What will we accomplish? What goals or resolutions are we setting?
Maybe 2015 didn’t go as you hoped. Or maybe it was a tough year, filled with many challenges. Or maybe on this eve of a new year you’re finding yourself disappointed for one reason or another.
What do we do when life disappoints, and doesn’t go as planned?
I don’t want to make light of any situation you’re in. Life is hard sometimes, and getting through the tough times isn’t easy. When life doesn’t go as planned, I see we really have two choices… we can look for the blessings, or we can linger in the burdens.
He fills my life with good things. Psalm 103:5
And I appreciate The Message translation:
He forgives your sins—every one. He heals your diseases—every one. He redeems you from hell—saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal. He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.
When we look to God in disappointing times, and when life doesn’t go the way we expected it to go, He offers us a new and fresh perspective. And He continues to fill our lives with gifts bigger than we can comprehend. Even when we don’t understand, we can trust He’s got it all under control.
Life with God is always good.
So, friend, no matter where you are in your reflecting of the past year, rest in the truth that God is with you and He loves you. And His plans for you are good.
We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan. Romans 8:28 The Voice
May God bless you with His presence and peace in 2016.
Much love to you,
Julie
Love this post, Julie. You said it all so well.
My life sure has not gone the way I would have wished; the past 24 hours have been a living nightmare of pain and dread, fell things coming in new forms, and I’m off balance. I don’t think anyone could count this all
Far away, but not absent. There still are good things; there are very limited things I can do, and small ways in which life can be, if not enjoyed, then tolerated (and that’s not to be despised).
From whom much has been given, much is expected, and God’s austere expectation is that I continue to witness to the good. It’s a responsibility, and and honour, that He trusts the wreck that I have become to put out the effort.
I can’t see or feel the enfolding Arms of Love, but I trust that one day they will be there, and in the meantime I can extend those arms myself, in encouragement and in the kindling of hope in others.
I hope it’s enough; it HAS to be enough, because it’s all I have.
Happy 2016!
Happy 2016 Andrew. I’ve been thinking about you and praying for you a lot lately. I’m sorry the last days have been a nightmare for you. God continues to use what you offer, and yes, it’s enough. You are enough. Continue to witness to the good, friend. Your words always contain good, and I appreciate that. I pray God uses you mightily this year… your words, your presence, your life. Tell the dogs hi for me! Bless you.