2014

Starting a new year makes reflection a necessity.  How can this be 2014?  And, yet, I've been listening to some audio lectures on the works of C. S. Lewis and, evidently, this master apologist said that there is a reason people are always surprised by the passing of time.  A fish would be very surprised if it were no longer in water, and, so it never remarks that it is in water.  Man, however, is made for eternity and is always surprised by the limitations of time.  Perhaps the draw toward eternity calls me to reflect on this past year and recognize some changes in my heart:

• I am less fretful and more able to stand back and watch God at work.
• I find myself quicker to notice when I am jealous or critical of others, more able to rejoice with others' triumphs.
• New places and events are entered into with peaceful expectancy rather than angst.
• I have more compassion for those around me, less expectation of perfection.
• I find myself wanting to listen more and speak less.

This year, 2014, I celebrate my 65th birthday, which seems quite old.  Sometimes, my body feels that old and more.  I will sign up for Medicare and develop more gray hair and wrinkles.  But, all in all, I'm thankful for the passage of time.  I look forward to growing older this year in patience, peace, and compassion.  I anticipate sharing more grace and reflecting more of Jesus.  I find joy in  recognizing that this new year is not so much a chance to start over, but more an opportunity to prepare for an eternity with Him and share that opportunity with all I meet.

Happy, blessed 2014!