Reflections

I'm one of those pessimistic people who happily celebrates the passing of time.  2012 is over and I think that's great!  I'm not saying it was a bad year.  Actually it was a pretty fantastic year.  There were some huge changes made in our life.  To note a couple:

     ~In March Dan and I went to Mexico for a 9 day holiday.  It was a badly needed holiday.
     ~In July we moved out of our little house in Spruce Grove and onto a beautifully, treed farm.
     ~In August we started farming chickens.
     ~In December our youngest became 'church trained' and our whole family is now sitting in the pew every Sunday.

But really, I'm glad I don't have to go back and live 2012 over again.  Right now we're a year closer to the Lord returning.  I'm a year closer to death.  I've learned some good lessons in Christ's school last year that I'm thankful I won't have to revisit.  I can see that I've grown in grace and I wouldn't want to give that up.  I've lived in this world for almost 30 years now.  That's a long time.  Mercy and grace have sustained me every day that I've been on this earth.  Of that I am certain.  And I know mercy and grace will carry me everyday until I reach Home.  God is faithful.  He'll not let me go.

So let the years go ahead and fly by.  I hope they do.  The most pressing work to be done in my life is completed.  Christ has done it some 2000 years ago.  I am hidden in His wounds.  I am safe.  I am ready to die.  I would love to see my Saviour.  I would love to meet all the saints who have already crossed that dark river called death.  I would love to lie before the throne of God in worship.  This world is nothing but a wilderness.  It's a dreary, unwelcoming place for a pilgrim.  But right now God would have me trod it's paths.  That's why I am here.  And I will take hold of His Word and His promises and go forward in that light.  I will cling to Him another year and he will lead me.  He always does.  He will give me kingdom work to do and I will do it with His help.  But always, always, always, I will be looking toward heaven.  That's my home.

So despite getting an invitation to go out to a friend's place tonight for fondue and a games night, it seems fitting to go to the house of the Lord and finish off my year in the house of God instead--recognizing the great Giver and Sustainer of life and worshipping Him.

Lord, come quickly!