2015, where has it gone? As I write this journal, it is the beginning of November one day before my 45th birthday(when did I get this old? That's a different story) Still, Thanksgiving and Christmas to go before we hit the end of the year. It seems like yesterday that we were beginning the year, and then through the summer.
Now, the air has a slight chill to it. The leaves are changing color and falling to the ground. A rainbow rain of sorts. Christmas music is playing the stores are already decorated and it's November 9th. I enjoy Christmas so I am pretty cool with it. Other friends of mine, not so much. Before we know it, 2016 will be upon us.
That's what happens. They say time flies and they were not lying. Doesn't seem that far away thinking what 2015 would bring us.
When the year started, I was in preparations for a missions trip to India. This was a major undertaking and a giant leap in trusting God. This was so far out of my comfort zone. There was equal parts of anticipation and apprehension as we approached late February. Even on the plane and at the hotel, I still wasn't sure that I had made the right decision. But, I signed up for this call and there was no turning back. Through faith and God's guidance, I had experiences and memories that will last the rest of my days. Truly, a blessing in my life. One that I will cherish forever.
New friendships were forged during the course of the year, especially on the India trip. India expanded my cuisine as well. Most of the meals were family-style sharing and passing the food around. Bonded us together for the work we were called to. Watched a lot of cricket while there and still don't understand a single thing about it. Taj Mahal - a once in a lifetime experience. The India trip made the world feel smaller, yet our God that much larger, if at all possible.
2015 was a year of changes. India was just the first change.
2015 brought us a new senior pastor at my church. All the candidates were immensely qualified and our church council had a lot of work in front of them. But, God had already chosen our new senior pastor. The four council members placed a name in a bag and the same name was on each selection. They had not discussed this beforehand. I still marvel at how God works in these situations. That He reveals His plans in the most interesting ways and that His purposes come to the forefront in spite of us.
So, there has been change at our church. With any change, there tends to be a lot of excitement. The vibe at our church was full of excitement. Wanting to see where God led us and what His plans for us were. Not that our church wasn't before the new pastor, but with change there can always be some resistance or fear. But, I did not sense of any of that with this change. I believe that happens when the focus is on God. When you are focused on the will of God, the future is looked on with hope. Relying on one's own strength can lead to looking at the future with uncertainty and nervousness. I don't know where our church is heading, but I am looking forward to it.
The Browns are still awful and the Indians didn't make the playoffs. So, some things don't change.
Finally, looking back - Dad. I have spoken a lot about him during this past year. You can look back with regrets at missed opportunities. Things not said, or times not spent together. That's not how he lived, nor the way I will either. I was blessed for 44 years to have him as my dad. Every moment together was not wasted. He was my role model and the man whose advice I still rely on. He will be missed by all of us whose lives he touched. I have found I miss him most when I cant call him after the Indians or Browns do something bone-headed (trust me, there are many opportunities). Just goes to show, life is lived mostly in the small moments. Never, ever underestimate them. Until we see each other again, Dad.
AS we head towards 2016, we look to the future with some anticipation, hesitation, and possible excitement. We may not know where we will be a year from now, but I hope we all have wonderful adventures while getting there.
Now, the air has a slight chill to it. The leaves are changing color and falling to the ground. A rainbow rain of sorts. Christmas music is playing the stores are already decorated and it's November 9th. I enjoy Christmas so I am pretty cool with it. Other friends of mine, not so much. Before we know it, 2016 will be upon us.
That's what happens. They say time flies and they were not lying. Doesn't seem that far away thinking what 2015 would bring us.
When the year started, I was in preparations for a missions trip to India. This was a major undertaking and a giant leap in trusting God. This was so far out of my comfort zone. There was equal parts of anticipation and apprehension as we approached late February. Even on the plane and at the hotel, I still wasn't sure that I had made the right decision. But, I signed up for this call and there was no turning back. Through faith and God's guidance, I had experiences and memories that will last the rest of my days. Truly, a blessing in my life. One that I will cherish forever.
New friendships were forged during the course of the year, especially on the India trip. India expanded my cuisine as well. Most of the meals were family-style sharing and passing the food around. Bonded us together for the work we were called to. Watched a lot of cricket while there and still don't understand a single thing about it. Taj Mahal - a once in a lifetime experience. The India trip made the world feel smaller, yet our God that much larger, if at all possible.
2015 was a year of changes. India was just the first change.
2015 brought us a new senior pastor at my church. All the candidates were immensely qualified and our church council had a lot of work in front of them. But, God had already chosen our new senior pastor. The four council members placed a name in a bag and the same name was on each selection. They had not discussed this beforehand. I still marvel at how God works in these situations. That He reveals His plans in the most interesting ways and that His purposes come to the forefront in spite of us.
So, there has been change at our church. With any change, there tends to be a lot of excitement. The vibe at our church was full of excitement. Wanting to see where God led us and what His plans for us were. Not that our church wasn't before the new pastor, but with change there can always be some resistance or fear. But, I did not sense of any of that with this change. I believe that happens when the focus is on God. When you are focused on the will of God, the future is looked on with hope. Relying on one's own strength can lead to looking at the future with uncertainty and nervousness. I don't know where our church is heading, but I am looking forward to it.
The Browns are still awful and the Indians didn't make the playoffs. So, some things don't change.
Finally, looking back - Dad. I have spoken a lot about him during this past year. You can look back with regrets at missed opportunities. Things not said, or times not spent together. That's not how he lived, nor the way I will either. I was blessed for 44 years to have him as my dad. Every moment together was not wasted. He was my role model and the man whose advice I still rely on. He will be missed by all of us whose lives he touched. I have found I miss him most when I cant call him after the Indians or Browns do something bone-headed (trust me, there are many opportunities). Just goes to show, life is lived mostly in the small moments. Never, ever underestimate them. Until we see each other again, Dad.
AS we head towards 2016, we look to the future with some anticipation, hesitation, and possible excitement. We may not know where we will be a year from now, but I hope we all have wonderful adventures while getting there.
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