A New Year

“‘…Be strong … and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God…is with you.’” 1 Chronicles 28:20b

A new year.

A long time ago I stopped making New Year’s Resolutions for two reasons: First, if it was important enough to make a resolution to do it, I needed to do it today, not wait for a new year. Second, I never kept them anyway.

Since my birthday happens to fall in early January I typically take the day to reflect on the previous year and prayerfully seek direction for the year to come. Feeling somewhat lost and tired (and old) I sat before the Lord with several specific questions including what do You want me to do with my life? (The question is all the more pressing because, at my age, I probably don’t have a whole lot of arable life left!)

I pulled out one of last year’s journals. Last year was a year of tremendous change: reading the clearly written “handwriting on the wall” I stepped out in faith leaving my job behind, not knowing what was next. A few months later I felt I had some direction, understood the plan. But after the manic season between Thanksgiving and the New Year whispers of doubt began taking hold.

As I sat thinking I remembered something a wise friend use to say: “Do what’s right in front of you.”

Hmm….

Why do I confuse myself and complicate life by looking for unnecessary details and explanations? I only need what You have already provided: enough information to take the next step.

Oh yes, and I need to choose to trust You.