Have a Blessed 2009!

How is it that the holidays fly by so quickly? Just about the time I acknowledge that Thanksgiving is nearly upon us, I usually think, “Here We Go”. This year was different for me. I can honestly say that I enjoyed Christmas-time and all the holidays this year. Instead of focusing on buying lots of presents, I made decorating our home and getting the tree up early a priority. I took great joy in baking goodies for my neighbors and for my family. Spending time with our children and grandchildren was at the top of my list! I can’t remember ever enjoying our tree and the decorations more. It was inspiring to look at the tree and read the story Jesus’ birth. Just to think of the real meaning of Christmas. Also, my thoughts turned to why we think of loved ones and friends more at this time of year than at any other time.

I discovered when I made some of those phone calls to friends I had not stayed in touch with that there was not one single friend that wasn’t truly excited to hear from me. How just hearing their voice again was so touching and warming inside. I loved how we could just pick up where we had left off years before. I hope you took the time to make some of those calls also; it’s still not too late.

So now all those days have passed, gone. No more holidays in front of me for now, but a brand new year before me. I’m grateful for the holidays that I enjoyed this year. I’m grateful for the friends and family that I reconnected with during those days and I’m determined to keep those ties. I’m finally learning that it is relationships that really count in life. Sadly, it takes us far too many years to learn that lesson.

Yes, yes, I’ve certainly made some promises (resolutions) to myself of things I would like to accomplish in 2009, but most of all I want folks to see in me His reflection. If it is His will, then I ask that He give me the time and energy to be about His assignments for 2009. He’s already given me the JOY!

Have a blessed 2009!