Happy New Year!

New year, new me, new things – old things have passed away, behold all things have become new.

I guess the magic of the season is that we get to begin anew. Although we might not formally write down “resolutions” we somehow resolve to do things a little differently – a new mindset if nothing else. I started off 2024 in bed sick, and behold I’m starting 2025 the same way! WHAT??? Things are supposed to be different, aren’t they? After all, I’ve got a new attitude. And yes, I’ve gained some things in 2024 – like some extra pounds, at least 10 new pairs of shoes – which is actually down from the 20 I brought in 2023. I’ve even added a few more gray hairs, although I decided being a redhead would help with the bodacious attitude I was hoping to acquire. Nevertheless, I’ve also gained a newfound respect for life and a new appreciation of limits and possibilities. I’ve added a boat load of memories and a few successes. With that being said, I’ve also lost a lot of things in 2024. Let’s talk about my declining eyesight. My ability to bounce back from setbacks has definitely been compromised. It seems my obituary file is getting a bit hefty and along with that I lost the ability to use one of my most precious lifelines – let’s say “phone a friend”. I’ve lost my sense of navigation which kept me spinning in circles trying to figure out my way forward but fortunately life kept moving without me and then with one swift kick, pushed me off that merry-go-round.  Who thought of that name anyway? There is absolutely NOTHING “merry” about going around in circles. I always hated that thing. Upon embarking everything is spinning out of control and you just feel downright sick. So here I am off the merry-go-round and left to start all over again. After a much too long to heal injury, I’m back on the trail. It’s harder this time but nevertheless, I’m pushing through. I’ve gained some newfound courage and even added a little more compassion. I’ll admit, I’m a little more sentimental and more conscious of the frailty of life. I vow only to keep striving never to forget the lessons life has taught me thus far because Lord knows I don’t want to repeat those lessons. I’ll take this new attitude along with my ever-increasing faith in being and doing whatever the Lord has for me, and jump into this brand new year, with all its possibilities fully armed, prayed up and ready to go!!!! 

Happy New Year!

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland”. Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)