It’s the last day of 2011. Of course like every other year, people will be throwing parties, making resolutions, and proclaiming that this next year will be a “fresh start”. Quite frankly, I find all of this pretty silly. Why must one wait for another year to roll around to proclaim new beginnings in their life? If that's how God dealt with us, we would be disasters by December 31! I understand that bad things happen and sometimes a clean slate is needed, but that is why we have a timeless God who gives us a renewed life. One of my favorite things about God’s character is that He works outside of time. There is no deadline, no schedule; He works how He works when He works and He never fails. The best things that have happened in my life this past year have been unplanned and I credit them all to the work of God. He called me His own, He provided a way for me to make a public proclamation of faith through baptism (spontaneously purposeful), He ordained the beginning of a wonderful relationship with an awesome guy (didn’t see that coming!), He protected me by calling me out of a manipulative campus ministry (really didn’t see that coming!), and He revealed to me new desires in my heart for the future. All I see for 2012 is a continuation of God’s blessings through many unexpected events. Sure I have goals I want to reach this next year; thrive in my schoolwork, be more involved at my church, get a job, etc. but I am by no means pressing the reset button. I am merely moving forward on the path of favor that God has paved before me, excited to see what He has in store for me next. Whether it’s the first day of the year, or any of the other 364 days you happen to come upon, today is the day, the hour, the perfect time to make a change. Here’s to the furtherance of new experiences, surprises, and blessings as we go into another year.
