…We could imagine the year is like a ship we will be on as passengers. Our voyage will last until the end of next December, three hundred and some days ahead.

 

As it happens, our cabin is on one of the lower decks near the ship's waterline.  So, when we look out the porthole all we can see is the fast moving, rough water splashing and churning past the porthole. From that point of view, the sea looks, rough, wild, dangerous, treacherous and scary to say the least, much like what we think the year ahead will be like.

 

But, when we go up topside, to one of the high decks for a stroll in the sun, there, we get a broader and much more peaceful and reassuring view.  As we look far out in the distance we see what looks like a big circle of calm water. It appears to be a serene, quiet, and almost endless horizon all around us.

 

I think this kind of thoughtful pause to look at the sea's broad horizon, or a look at the big picture of our lives during a prayer-filled hour in church on a Sunday can calm our minds and strengthen us. Then, as we settle down and relax we can experience the steady, calming flow of the joy of life and an unsurpassed happiness, all because of our steadfast trust in the Lord. 

 

We know Jesus has many purposes for each of our lives. Surely there are many tasks he wants us to accomplish this year for our good and for His glory. In the same way, we also know we can depend on Him to supply our needs this year - one day at a time.

 

 I believe Jesus has a long-range perspective of this New Year that we don't have.  He sees it as just one small part of the eternity he has promised each one of us. Therefore, as you and I look at this new year ahead, we should all prayerfully do our best to work together to make sure this new year, the year of 2009, will really shine!

 

Terry Weber