This is just the beginning

 Well, the whole world rang in a New Year……a new decade last night.  As the ball dropped in New York and skies were illuminated with colorful lights; many people began to reflect. It’s true, January 1 makes people reflect on the previous year, what they want to change about themselves, and what is ahead in the new one. This is the year to lose 50lbs, it’s the time to reconcile with that family member, time to quit my job and do something I want, etc. etc. So it begins, some people stick to their goal for a week, maybe longer; but ultimately more things happen in life and resolutions are repeated the next year. Maybe we would be more successful if we decided to get closer to God and let Him work inside of us….let him fix what is wrong. Then I think the choices we make become more grounded and we stick to what is going to improve us this year.

   January 1, 2010, for my team mates and I, means a lot. What are we going to do in 11 countries this year? Who are we going to meet? Who are we going to shed some light on? A lot of unknowns are ahead for us, but I think that we like it. We like the adventure, we like that we pretty much have to rely solely on God; because ultimately we have no control over the next year. Our hands are tied behind our backs and we are being led down the path by His love.

   I came across a poem that I wrote a couple of years ago; and I thought it might just relate to the people we will meet across the Nations this year. It probably will relate to us as well.

                                                                                      Scarred hearts merge together

                                                                                 in a pool of brokeness

                                                                                 hoping for a promise

                                                                                   neither heard or seen.

Chopped down to nothing

abused and misled

by a world of thieves

who’ve stolen their dreams.

Addictions, anger, self pity

all come easy

when you’ve decided

you’re alone, all alone.

So what is left

in this darkness and pain?

 Who will listen and

accept your full shame?

  It’s in a park

on a breezy day

 when you feel the

 invitation to his place.

                                      This is when you see

                                       He hasn’t denied you,

                                           and you are a part

                                    of his never ending promise.

                                          Even when the road

                                          is broken and curved,

                                              when all souls

                                      seem bitter and scarred;

He will not forget

you are His family

and he catches

every tear you drop.

  
    So my wish for us all is we would die to this world and realize that  living for it, only ends in brokeness. There is something much greater and seeking that spirit is so important. Reach out to each other, pray, and realize that it’s really not about us.

I love you all and look forward to “reflecting” with you this year……perhaps losing a part of ourselves but gaining something so much better. Remember none of us are insignificant and it doesn’t take much to make a difference.