I have to admit that I never really got used to writing 2016 on things and now it is gone. It has been another amazing year of transitions and change. These are two things that seem to be a constant in all lives. Our church has moved to a permanent location on five acres and it is saving us lots of money. People keep telling me that they are glad we are staying. It’s funny because we didn’t think we were going anywhere before but they obviously didn’t see us as being committed without a property to call our own. We love our little church and hope to keep adding to it in the years to come. The reality is that our congregation knows that having a lot of building is really more of a burden then a blessing. We worship God all day every day not just on Sunday mornings at 10 am.
My best friend moved back to her hometown and I miss her. Our youngest grandchild told me she loved me for the first time and I confess to being amazed by her. My mother and daughter started an estate sale business together and my husband and I are working very hard to support them. My parents celebrated their 50th anniversary and my nephews who seem like babies in my head have become silly little boys. And I am so blessed by the people who surround me.
My hope for this year, not just for me, but for you as well is that we are all surrounded by people who are good for our souls. We all need encouragers but we also need truth tellers.
Lord, give me the courage to say goodbye to people who are not good for me and hurt me by being around them. Help me find relationships that are encouraging and life giving. Motivate me to step out of my comfort zone and risk new relationships and activities that can help me grow in relationship with you. Amen.
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