Expectancy & Gratitude

Here we are in the last few hours of 2009...WOW, time flies, doesn't it? The end of a year brings with it so many differing emotions in people's lives. Some are sad to see the year go while others are excited to leave the past and head toward a brand new future. We think about the historical events in the world and in our lives over the past year as we gently start walking toward the unknown in the next. I always get a bit nostalgic this time of year and I love the video montages that TV news programs put together of all of the historical events and people of the year that is passing. We saw many tragedies and many triumphs this year as a nation and world, but what about in your own life? What has happened this year for you?

Last night at youth group, I urged the students to start this year, this new decade, with a spirit of expectancy and gratitude. I told them to think about the best thing that happened to them last year and THANK God for it. I told them to think of the worst thing that happened to them this past year and THANK God for it. And I told them to think about their greatest desire and dream for 2010 and go ahead and THANK God for it. We thank Him for our blessings and our nightmares because we learn from both. We thank Him for the future because we know that it will be HIS perfect will for us and our growth in Him.

Are you expecting great things for 2010? Are you thanking God for the blessings and difficulties of 2009? Today's random act of kindness is to be grateful for ALL things in our lives and expect even better for 2010. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!