as i sit down to type, i confess i don't have any great retrospective or forward-looking thoughts, as we say goodbye to 2011 and begin the new year. i'm excited for the year ahead - my thirtieth. i love getting my new planner and flipping through the pages of weeks, wondering how they will be filled up with adventures and grocery shopping, parties and dentist appointments.
and at the same time, a part of me is apprehensive about what the year will hold. so much of this past year was filled with circumstantial uncertainties, and although we now have a very settled life with 2 full time jobs and a lovely {rental} home... i suppose the "normalcy" of our lives now doesn't yet feel like our normal. it's hard to even imagine a year without moving or beginning & ending school semesters or changing job situations. perhaps this year {for now, at least. who knows what's in store!} is about embracing and enjoying the now, instead of looking ahead to events and changes. maybe it's about learning to live and explore the life we have here, without being "new" or "in transition."
a few years ago, i heard a really neat sermon at the turn of the year. the speaker, who was a guest pastor at my church, spoke on remembering as a crucial element of knowing & trusting God. i assert that remembering is a crucial aspect of being human. he spoke from isaiah 63:7-14, which recounts the faithful interventions of God for His people, even in the midst of their shortcomings and ridiculousness.
"i will recount the gracious deeds of the LORD, the praiseworthy acts of the LORD,
because of all that the LORD has done for us,
and the great favor to the house of Israel that he has shown them
according to his mercy,
according to the abundance of his steadfast love." {isaiah 63:7}
the hebrew word for "steadfast love" is hessid, which translates as "God's loyalty and love for His chosen people." and it is abundant.
thankfulness, gratitude. these words seem to fall short right now. in the midst of looking back on the year behind and dealing with anticipation about the unknowns of the year ahead, God's loyal, steadfast love is abundant + great + full of mercy. i experienced this in 2011 as peace throughout months of a totally unknown & unplanned future. this remembering is what i carry with me as i embark into 2012. this hessid is what i know + try to hold onto.
and for this i am truly thankful today.
katie anne
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