It is the last day of the year, and I can’t say I’m sorry to see 2011 go. It has had its rough and rugged moments for sure.
For me, the week before New Year’s Day is usually spent in a flurry of activity. I immediately begin taking down and putting away all the Christmas decorations. Since we only had a tree this year, that didn’t take much time.
Almost as if an alarm goes off inside me, I want to clean out, de-clutter, organize, and put this house in order. I can’t explain it other than I was born this way.
So I begin to go through drawers and closets with a vengeance. I toss a lot of stuff wondering why in the world I’ve kept it so long. I rearrange the stuff I want to keep. Sometimes I have an epiphany as I find something I’ve wondered about for a year.
At year’s end I also evaluate the last twelve months to see what’s been accomplished. And I begin to think of the goals for the new year and how I want to spend the next 365 days.
But this New Year’s Eve, I don’t have the same urgency to make a list of things I want to get done in the house and the garden, the items I need to purchase, the exercise program I hope becomes a habit, the books I want to read, or the places I would love to go. Because of 2011, I’m not so sure about my goals for 2012.
There were so many things left undone this year because of unexpected events in Sweet William’s and my life. Things did not go as scheduled.
I’m sure at some point I will again make my lists. I am a list person. What can I say.
But as midnight of December 31, 2011 approaches, I want to be in a position of humility, on my knees with my face to the floor in total submission to the Sovereign God who controls my life and all that occurs in it.
I am not my own, after all. I was purchased at a very high and precious price. God has the right to do whatever He pleases with me. Year 2012 will be guided by His hand, and His purpose will prevail.
I pray the prayer that never fails: His will be done. I am simply the instrument in His hand to accomplish His goals.
Happy New Year, my friends. Thanks for taking this 2011 journey with me.
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Peggy's Journal 
I have the same feelings this year…maybe it’s the economy…maybe it’s just personal happenings within our little family…but, I am looking forward to change…Bless you and yours!
I leave 2011 gladly. I’m looking for great miracles in 2012 .Prayerfully and with anticipation I say, “BRING IT ON LORD.” Bless you sweet sister Peggy. Happiest of New Years to you and Bill.
You have been an inspiration to me, and I will not put off what I’ve been wanting to do for years. I’ve wanted to keep a journal, and this year is the year I start. I will write my blessings, and also my burdens, because through those burdens I know there will be blessings. I will not take life and people who I hold dear for granted. I will keep Joy as my constant companion, and not look at things so seriously. I know where my Joy comes from and also my Peace and Comfort. I will not take these things lightly. Thank you my dear friend, Peggy. I hope 2012 will be easy on you and Bill. So, with that said, Happy New Year!
I’ve been making that effort to count blessings this year and keep them in a notebook along with my journal. Some days it was hard, but when I really stop and look around, grace abounds to me everywhere! The air I breathe, the strength to keep going, precious friends and family who have prayed and supported me this year. It is so easy to turn our eyes away from the God who supplies all. Keep to your goal and look for the grace that falls down. I will join you.
Thank you for sharing your heart. Love you.
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