Happy New Year...

Where does the time go? I know we ask ourselves that repeatedly, but never more than at year's end. Children grow, lives change, we age in many ways. What was intended to be a joyous, celebratory time each year often becomes one of unmet expectations and an underlying sense of sadness. As we take a breath and prepare to hit the ground running, I wanted to share a devotion I recently read by Pamela McQuade that will hopefully offer a new perspective as we embark upon 2009. God is writing a story of faith in your life. What will it describe? Will it be a chronicle of challenges overcome, like the Old Testament story of Joseph? Or a near tragedy turned into joy, like that of the prodigal son? Whatever your account says, if you love Jesus, the end is never in question. Those who love Him finish in heaven, despite their trials on earth. The long, weary path ends in His arms. Today, write a chapter in your faithful narrative of God's love. May you embark on this year knowing that you are a precious child of God who has loving arms awaiting you. Take that knowledge and let it strengthen you to share His love with all those you encounter. You might just be the first person willing to plant seeds in that life!!