…well, christmas is over.

It is hard for me to believe that another Christmas is over. And this is that weird week, where I -as if under mind-melding compulsion- begin to reflect over the past year and make plans for the year ahead.
Strange how that works. Every year we enjoy the celebrations of Christmas…and now turn our minds to the new year.
This is the first year in my lifetime, where I look ahead with some reservation. Perhaps the beginning of 2002 -post 9/11- was another time I thought the coming year may present more challenge. As I look around and read the headlines and listen to my friends, this year will probably challenge all of us. For many, it already is challenging and it hasn’t even started yet.
It is in these seasons where our faith is tested not just in how we respond to difficulty - but also how we take care of one another.
Though it may be a tough year economically, it might be an amazing year for our relationship with Jesus. That is my hope…and almost scary prayer.