10am New Years Day my cell phone beeped with a new text.
“May 2011 be a year of focusing on what has been given and not on what has been taken…God gave…2011. Thankful we can walk through it together…” It was from a close friend and seemed to have the feel of a blessing one speaks over another.
These 29 words have captivated my mind for 4 days. The questions swirl, “What would the tone of 2011 feel like if I focused on what’s been given?” ”How would I live differently? Would I act differently? Pray differently? View people differently?”
Tis the time of year when I often reflect on the past and look ahead. I honestly don’t know how to think about 2010 yet. It may take months if not a lifetime to put my head around all that happened this year.
2011 has me “globally nervous” if there’s such a term. The story looks like it’s on thin ice if not out of control.
My friend’s text broke into these thoughts like a compass pointing me North.
One could never exhaust the conversation over what has been give to us by God. The categories would cover every facet of life. Two thoughts caught my attention this morning. First, “God gave…2011.” Oh to take into the depths of myself the truth that God is giving us 2011. Each day, moment, and nano second. Whatever happens this year be it $5 a gallon gas or more war it is all from God’s hand, within His control. A mysterious rest rises up within when I think out the implications.
The other thought came out of reading Habakkuk and Malachi. God gave a promise. A covenant. That promise has remained constant throughout history and will until the day Jesus returns bringing the new heaven and the new earth. The promise that God will reverse the fall of mankind, gather a family to himself, make everything new, and make everything sad come untrue is as real today as it has ever been.
As I plunge 2010 and 2011 into the reality of the promise, God and Jesus are more beautiful to me today than they were yesterday. And is par for the course, when my Father and older brother become increasingly beautiful I am transformed.
So, how have you been thininking about 2011?
Would you give me the privilege of writing a blessing over you?
May 2011 be a year of focusing on what has been given and not on what has been taken…God gave.
Enjoying the promise today,
Angel
January 5, 2011 at 4:05 am |
Good thoughts! We will be in San Fran next weekend. Bummer we are just missing you.
January 5, 2011 at 4:07 am |
Thank you for a wonderful advice and wisdom to see the best for this New Year 2011 known that God is in Control. Our Lord will direct our life if we follow His steps.
January 5, 2011 at 11:58 am |
Wow Angel that’s a mindful. I enjoyed reading that. I am looking forward to reading more. I need help in my ever growing walk of faith Sometimes(alot) I don’t look at all the blessings but instead get hung up on the “wrongs” that have happened. Reading this makes me feel truly blessed that I opened my heart to God who loves me!!!
January 5, 2011 at 12:38 pm |
Angel,
What a wonderful treat to find you on FB with this blog! I too am looking for ward to the gift of 2011 and the promises of this year!
Praising GOD!!!!!
Dawn Dorsey