At this point, two days away from the start of a new year, the general social expectation is that I am supposed to develop some resolutions for 2013 and reflections about 2012.  I do not feel like doing either but maybe there is value in the task.  So, here are a few thoughts.

It would seem that the ongoing state of things in our world is change.  Not much stays the same.  But our faith in God produces a stability and a sense of forward movement expressed, for example, in these two verses:

(Heb 13:8 NIV)  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

and

(Hag 2:6-7 NIV)  “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.  I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the LORD Almighty.

God is a constant but he is also a mover and shaker.  So as we look forward to 2013, we can expect that there are going to be changes and “sameness-es” whatever the day or month.

I remember the five questions that reporters are taught to ask:  Who? What? Where? When? and Why?

If we apply these questions to life in general, we are quickly into deep philosophy.  But maybe if I just reflect on them as they apply to my 2012 experiences, I will get a few obvious insights.

Who?  Two big family changes — My beautiful grandson, Kairos Zechariah, entered the world in Oregon.  My faithful father-in-law, John, passed on to glory in New York.

What?  In addition to the traveling, there has been the usual yard and home maintenance.  This has been a little heavier on the plumbing end of things than I would prefer.  I did teach an online theology/world view class this year and am slated to teach it again in 2013.  That has been a good learning experience.

Where?  Everywhere, or so it seems.  We have done a lot of traveling this year — some out of necessity and some for fun. It is good to be home.  [Check out some of my previous postings for the details.]

When?  Well, that’s pretty obvious: 2012.

Why?  Why does God permit the challenges yet simultaneously choose to bless us with the good?  This is the heavy question for the moment.  Maybe I will just leave the “why” to you to think about and then send me answers when you get it figured out!

* * * * * * *
We had some snow to shovel this morning — about two inches of very wet stuff.  Sorry for you who are dealing with 8  to 10 inches on your driveway.

Smile.

TLT