The Last Day of the Year
Opportunity

See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare;before they spring into being,
I announce them to you.  Isaiah 42:9

Another year will soon be gone. The remnants may linger on a while, but soon most will be forgotten as we move ahead with new goals, new ambitions.

In thinking back on 2014, I am reminded of goals accomplished, and of some put by the wayside for another day. It has been a year of ups and downs, as most are. And yet it has been better by far than some.

Years come and go. Sometimes we realize more good in them than others. For me personally, I have realized several things in this year just past:

• As Jim and I have completed our transition to Arkansas and have seen a simpler way of life come about, I have come to realize, even more than before, that to be debt free brings more freedom than one can imagine. Oh, we are not absolutely there yet, but hopefully, in a while we will be there completely. I am looking forward to that freedom.
• Another thing I’ve come to realize is that what we expect from life is not always what we need. Nor is it even what we may have really wanted once we get beyond our expectations. This past year has been very revealing in that.
• One thing I’ve come to realize also, more than ever before, is who our real family and friends are, and who we can rely on in times of need; these are not necessarily the ones I would have named in an earlier frame of mind.
• Now lest you think I have become a complete pessimist, let me conclude by saying that the most important thing I will come out of this year with is a calm assurance of where I am in my walk with the Lord.It has been a year of soul searching, of seeking His will on fronts I’ve never before faced, and of learning to let go and allow Him to truly lead and guide my footsteps.
  I am amazed at the path He has set before me. I am humbled at His grace.

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.”  (Edith Lovejoy Pierce)

I wish you all a Happy and Wonderful New Year!!!