My New Year’s 2015 was like most others … comfortable in my jammies, watching old movies that make me cry … flipping back and forth on the channels to catch a glimpse of what the rest of the world was doing. It’s a stretch for me to stay awake past 10:30, let alone to midnight (okay, I admit in my youth I had no problem with staying awake all night long). But once that clock turned midnight and I saw the ball drop at Times Square, I said goodbye to 2015 and goodnight to the world in general.
The next morning I woke up, sipped coffee and wondered what 2016 would bring. I knew the year would be big, especially with the upcoming presidential election, and, boy, was that prediction correct. Then I got dressed and went about my day.
By spring, you couldn’t turn on the radio or TV without hearing about violence, shootings, who’s to blame for what, folks trying to figure out what’s going to happen, campaign debates. I witnessed in word and deed what made people tick; unfortunately, what I saw from public and private figures wasn’t pretty. I remember praying, “Lord, what’s happening? I feel like the world is imploding,” and I said this as I retreated under my covers while trying to figure it all out.
Speaking of trying to figure it all out, before I became a Christian, I would go to fortune tellers to find out what was going to happen tomorrow, next week, next year. I put my trust in a person, or a Ouija board, instead of trusting the God of the Universe to take care of me. How foolish I was (and how I would love a refund)!
Well, back to the message … this past summer, the sweetest man in the world passed away – my father-in-law. I never heard him say a cross word … he was a quiet pillar who loved much, was humble, and grateful. Months have passed and I am still touched by his memory. I look forward to the day when I will see him again in Heaven. His loss reminded me of the importance of life and relationships.
If I had to sum up 2016 in one word, it would be “surprise.” I was surprised by the election outcome, I was surprised by what I observed from public (political and non-political) figures, and I was especially surprised what I observed from the church in general. Many have grown discouraged throughout this year, and I could fall into that trap if I surround myself with negatives, but by and large, I stay focused. Seeking God in my alone time, I keep hearing the same message, “Abide in Me!” How true … I can’t put my hope and trust in this world or in mankind, but only in the King of the Universe who loves me more than I love myself. He continues to show me the importance of family, reliance on Him instead of institutions, and (and this is the big one), I don’t have to have all the answers!
Now, let’s get to work on 2017!
John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who abides in me while I abide in him produces much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”
Tagged: elections and voting, trusting God
