Hello 2010

Another year gone, a new year to come. I'm excited about 2010 and anxious to see what will happen in the next year. I always enjoy the turn from December to January, as it is a time usually spent reflecting on the past year (I'm a sucker for nostalgia, even if from within the same year) as well as anticipating and predicting what is to come (I'm also a sucker for guesses about the future, not necessarily my own predictions but what others think). This most recent new year, however, I feel has been one in which we have been encouraged to primarily view the past year in a negative light while at the same time placing great expectations for things to change or get better in the beginning of a new decade. Verizon Wireless even has an advertisement out that reads, "So long, 2009. Don't let the door hit you."

I won't deny that 2009 brought significant challenges to most people around the world including our own nation. But I also think people are quick to forget that every year - not just 2009 - includes significant challenges and struggles, and that every year - including 2009 - includes blessings and joys as well. Rather than slapping 2009 with a label of "bad year," I'm going to try to remember the great things that happened and give thanks to God for abundantly blessing me without my deserving of any of it. I'm also going to try to remember the difficult things that we've gone through and give thanks to God for His mercy and providence, recognizing that this life was never promised without difficulty or pain. I hope to learn from the past year and look forward to 2010 as a year in which I can hopefully grow. Finally, in reflecting upon 2009 and looking forward to 2010, I hope to be continually reminded that in all things, those that we see as good or bad, God is present, and that it is often in ways unseen or unexpected that God works in our lives for our good. Who knows, decades from now people may look back upon 2009 with changed attitudes, recognizing that the events that took place in the past year triggered changes in their lives that were profound blessings.

So long 2009, and thanks for the memories. Happy 2010!