High Hopes for '09

Happy New Year to you! I hope you were able to usher in the new year in some sort of fun fashion. A friend and I just did a quiet evening here at the house -- had mexican food, drank a margarita or two, watched Horton Hears a Who, and finally, watched a lackluster dropping of the ball in Times Square on TV. They must have some issues with trying to play it back for other time zones, because it's never been so boring when I've watched it on the east coast. The camera just panned to the ball for about 5 minutes straight, and there the camera sat -- no sound -- just a picture of the ball.

As I reflect a bit on 2008 (though, admittedly, I haven't done much thorough reflecting), I just am thankful that it's over. I can't remember any year that I've been so glad to see go. It's been a hard year, from start to finish. It must be said that God has been gracious to see me/us through the hardships of '08, and I know that his mercy has been at work throughout the year, but I just pray that maybe some day God will see fit to show us how all of this has been working for our good and his glory. We see such a small part of the bigger picture right now -- someday I hope that the whole thing (or at least much more of it) will be revealed to us.

And, now, as I look towards THIS year of 2009, I do have high hopes for the year. And that feels really good. It's been a long time since I've felt the freedom to hope for much. I have the hopes that I mentioned above -- that as we reflect on this past year, and others, that God would show us more of how he has been at work in them. And, there are countless other hopes. First of all, it is FINALLY the YEAR that Drew comes home!!! And, I am finally able to say that he should be home NEXT month! Wow! So, I have high hopes for our marriage, our future, our time with family and friends, etc... all based on the simple fact of his presence (something we have learned not to take for granted over the last few years). Mostly though, I hope that the storms and pressure that we have been under over the last few years will be relieved long enough for us to be able to pick up our heads, look around, survey the damage, see what is still intact, what is stronger than ever, pray TOGETHER, plan our next moves TOGETHER, and begin to take our next steps TOGETHER. Ah...the hope behind the word "together" brings tears to my eyes.

Now, as we move into the last few weeks of this deployment, we will translate those hopes into prayers. And, I would ask that you would join us over the next few intimidating and exciting months, as we pray about what is next -- which direction God would guide our feet for the immediate future. Here's to 2009, and all of the hopes and fears that come with it, and to God's grace that is sufficient for any time and circumstance in our lives.