Year End

2009 is rapidly coming to a close, just a few hours left. Every news provider likes to do a rundown of events from the past year. We remember the passing of people like Michael Jackson, Oral Roberts, Ted Kennedy, John Updike, Paul Harvey, Walter Cronkite, Farrah Fawcett and many others.

We remember (or are often reminded of stories we thought were dead) of events like the Presidential Inauguration, the miracle on the Hudson, the continuing wars overseas, the birth of octuplets, pirates seizing ships off the African coast, cash for clunkers, Supreme Court Judge Sotomayor, the adultery committed by governors and golfers, the resignation of an Alaskan governor, the freeing of journalists held captive in North Korea, Jaycee Dugard found after 18 years in captivity, health care debates, the ever-looming economy, H1N1, the massacre at Ft. Hood and many other events both local and abroad.

Many things we forget about until we get reminded of them in a look back at the year gone by. Many received far more attention than they deserved--and many events that are noteworthy globally get neglected in the US.

I'm reminded of a line from a poem by C. T. Studd. He penned, "Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last."

2009 may be a year some will miss; many will be ready to move on to a new year. No matter what circumstances come our way, we have the opportunity to live life to the fullest (Jesus offered us abundant life as recorded in John 10:10). Attitude is a choice that given for the sake of make our lives better--as well as the lives of those around us. Resolutions will likely lead to disappointment down the road. Only being transformed daily by the Holy Spirit will get results.

Take time to reflect on the things you need to learn from this past year, on the things you wanted to accomplish but didn't, and especially on the ways God was present throughout your year. Keep in mind His promised goodness and faithfulness for the year ahead and enter it with gusto, resolved to make the most of each day, making a difference that will impact eternity.

Many blessings upon you in 2010.