Reflections going into 2017 (posting *only* 21 days late!)

Scrolling through Facebook posts, I find myself a bit envious of some people’s optimism for the new year.

Don’t get me wrong. I am sincerely happy for people whose past year seemingly ticked on by without any angst, but please, don’t fool yourself (or the rest of us) that just because your life is unmarked by trouble, you are any more “blessed” by God than the rest of us.

A new calendar year does not always represent a fresh start. For some of us, January 1st was pretty unremarkable and looked a lot like August 14th, just a bit colder, and with leftover turkey and stuffing in the refrigerator. For some of us, a new calendar year did not clean up the unfinished, heavy business from 2016 that we hoped we could bid farewell to.

I understand how difficult it can be to open a new year knowing it doesn't promise all good things. I understand the strangeness of being in limbo - when you're desperately wanting an answer, but scared of what that answer might be. Perhaps you’re facing precarious employment, infertility, or strained family relationships. I understand not being super stoked about entering another month of disappointment. Sometimes just making it through another day seems like a pretty big victory.

2016 was a bit of a mixed bag for me. It offered some relief from the angst of the previous year, but brought new challenges too. Last April I was diagnosed with melanoma. When I was preparing to usher 2016 in, I had no idea that I would be grappling with the idea of my own mortality in a real and raw way. Not knowing my prognosis I wondered, would I even see another year? But God had proven His faithfulness to me in the past, not necessarily by changing circumstances, but through covering me with His peace in the circumstances I found myself in, and so I knew in my heart that I could move forward – no matter what.

As I reflect on the past year and wonder what sort of things 2017 will bring, I can't help but think about the manger. You know… that scene we relegate as being relevant only in December on Christmas cards or figurines. But its message is timely for us in the here and now too.

It’s this whole idea of expectancy.

As Mary & Joseph gazed into that baby's face, I imagine they dreamed of what their son's life promised. Would he have a family of his own? What would his kingdom look like? I doubt they saw the cross. The shame. The burden he would carry. They had no idea how Jesus’ life would unfold and the suffering he would experience here on earth.

What happened there in that manager was God coming down to be with us. To be with you – fully present in whatever your 2017 may look like.

So to you, fellow journeyer who may be feeling a little less than optimistic about what this next calendar year holds, I tell you this: It’s okay to not feel super celebratory, but don’t give up hope.

‘I saw the Lord before me at all times; he is near me, and I will not be troubled. 26 And so I am filled with gladness, and my words are full of joy. And I, mortal though I am, will rest assured in hope, 27 because you will not abandon me in the world of the dead; you will not allow your faithful servant to rot in the grave. 28 You have shown me the paths that lead to life, and your presence will fill me with joy.’

Acts 2:25-28