Its hard to believe 2009 has arrived. I'm sitting here watching football, and reflecting on 2008. Time seems to fly by faster, the older I get. It was a great year in so many ways- reconnecting with old friends, deepening ties to family and current friends, and some big successes in ministry, with VBC, 5th grade Adventure Trip, etc. 2008 was incredible. I grew in Jesus Christ as well, and I hope I've been able to pass on to others what I've gained.
After our annual New Years celebration with the Jimmersons & Brantons, I was reading Scripture and a devotional guide the morning of Jan. 2, asking God, "What do You want me to be about in 2009? What should be my 'New Years Resolutions' for this year?" It just so happened my devo guide referenced Micah 6:8- "...and what does the Lord require of you, but to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before your God?" I've reflected on that for a couple of days. Such a simple statement of purpose, but so all-encompassing. If I seek to make wise choices, "do the right thing"...if I look for opportunities to show love and compassion... if I humbly focus on knowing, loving, and following Christ- that is what He wants my life to be about, in 2009 and beyond. So often we look for deeper meanings, deeper truths, greater knowledge, when our Father simply wants us to follow Micah 6:8. And yet, when we seek these things of God, everything else will follow.
So what's my New Years Resolution? To look for more opportunities to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before your God." What else is there?