2023 has zipped by quickly. This annum may go down in long-view history as out-of-place in the parade of venerable years. but I don’t see much value in marking any year of my life as undesirable or regrettable.
For its duration, this year has been part of God’s gift of life. God has been active, perhaps in ways I don’t yet see. I’ve lived within the confines of this year’s seasons, and have somehow done more than just survive the ravages of time. As 2023 fades into the distant recesses of my memory, I want to honor this year with appreciative, grateful thoughts.
I think I will remember this rapidly passing year as a time of testing, as in “Do you really believe what you say?” So I might ask myself: Which of my spiritual gifts have remained strong? What life-purpose tasks have grown in their effectiveness? What values have continued as cherished parts of my self-concept? Of my sense of worth? What godly acts have marked this year as wondrous evidence of God’s providence? What new-and-hopeful elements of life have emerged stronger? Where and how has God’s abundance surprised me?
A quick trip through my small Moleskine daily diary reminds me of God’s providence through this perhaps-trying history. Names and events consolidate to show me patterns of God’s goodness showered over these days, nourishing my sense of purpose and hope. The disciplines, delight and privileges of this year’s worship, exercise, relationships, accomplishments and blessings form solid patterns that will likely have lasting, positive effects into the coming year(s).
The hermeneutical principle, “Truth comes from the future” assures me that, on further review years from now, I will see this year as a gift to remember with gratitude.
Will you join me in that prayer…?
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