The Boston bombing; more mass shootings; an inept National government; a college graduation; a family member moving; bike rides; travel; angst; excitement; frustration; happiness; worry; joy... all in all a pretty normal year.
My years seem to have a lot the same stuff each year. The actual events might be unexpected, but the impact is familiar.
Just looking at the national and international events - there were amazing/wonderful things to inspire awe and thanksgiving. There were horrific, tragic, and deeply sad days that leave our heads bowed in prayer.
I'm thankful for Mark's graduation from Ball State this year, and joyful for the job he landed in central Indiana. My mom's move back to Wisconsin and sister's family moving back to the states were welcome.
Little things brought smiles - bike rides on sunny days through God's creation; watching the sun rise and set; visiting parts of the state I had not yet seen.
Yet, over the past 364 days it is all so much the same. I looked back at my 2013 resolutions, and since I set the bar fairly low in terms of goals.... I'm glad to know I can check them off. The day to day stuff we experience: hopes lifted and sometimes crushed; storms clouds that gather and disrupt lives and plans; minutes and sometimes weeks worrying about what might happen or what might not happen; and joy when we see how well (in spite of things, many times) everything turned out.
A friend I work out with occasionally mentioned the other day they were looking forward to the end of 2013 because it has been such a tough year.
2014 stands before us - much is the same - the unknown and the highs and lows each of us will experience.
The great and most reassuring news for us today is that we can step into the new year without worry because our Lord will be with us.
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8
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