Thoughts at the End of 2009

Five hours left in a year that has been interesting to say the least! There have been some problems in 2009, but there have also been some incredibly bright spots, and that is the case for all years. While certain stories dominate the news and my thoughts, no period of time is ever all bad or all good; the world and the life experiences of the people in it are just too vast for them all to be of one type or another, and for that I am very grateful! 2009 is simply another year, and the events of that year will help formulate the events of the year to come, just as all other years in the past have done.

All that being said, I hope the new year starts better than the old one ended! For the first time in 13 years of ministry, I called in sick last Sunday morning, and it felt all wrong! Regardless of how it felt, however, the high fever, the concrete sinuses and the never ending cough indicated that it was not a good day for me to be around people, much less try to talk to them! It was a good day to hibernate in my chair and that is what I did. I do not like being sick; I am not a patient patient, and it is very difficult for me to slow down and take care of myself. But the older I get, I have come to realize the necessity of doing just those things. If I make a resolution, and I don't do that much any more, it will be to continue to work on taking care of myself and listening to my body!

The storms are raging outside as I write---2009 is going out like a lion! But the storms bring water and snow and the promises of a good year to come, so I smile and relax. Football is happening and I don't have to go outside until NEXT Sunday!