The Year Ahead

I had such high hopes for 2012.  I started the year looking ahead, anxious for what it might bring.  I’m somewhat hesitant to do that this year.  I had a good first couple of weeks.  I set goals, I came up with a plan of action, I looked forward to big family events, and I set out to embark on the year.  Things were looking great.  And then, by the end of January, things started falling apart.  We had a couple losses in the family, one near loss, and one unexpected expense after another.  The whole year just felt like we couldn’t catch a break.  If not for the births of two new, healthy nieces, our year would’ve seemed pretty bleak. 

This week, as I thought about the last year, I looked back at my post outlining my goals for 2012.  It was only then that it hit me.  I bombed big time.  Out of thirteen goals, I met one.  I wanted to take a first step.  My husband pointed out last night that selling our house could count as that first step.  Otherwise, I would’ve said that I accomplished nothing.  I will say that I also made a list of things I wanted to do before my birthday, and that list is getting much shorter.   They were much simpler, more concrete goals, though.  The kind that you can do one at a time, and check them off as you go.  Not the kind that requires dedication of an extended period of time. 

I haven’t quite decided what to do with this year.  I don’t know if I should just recommit to my goals from last year, or if I should start a new list.  I’ve heard of people choosing one word to be their theme for the year.  I never really considered doing that, mostly because I didn’t think I’d be able to come up with one.  This year, though, I know exactly what that one word will be for my husband and me:

Trustnoun

1 a : assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something

   b : one in which confidence is placed

2 a : dependence on something future orcontingent : hope
Merriam-Webster

As I look ahead to the new year, I see a lot of unknowns.  I know it will be a year of change.  Only time will tell how much, and what kinds.  Last year, we put our house up for sale, because we felt like it was time.  This year begins with selling our house.  We are set to close on January 17.  At this point, we don’t know where we’ll live.  We are choosing to trust God with everything this year might bring, because He knows best.  We are choosing to trust Him to guide us and sustain us. 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
NASB