2011's Question Marks

As the end of 2011 came to a close a few days ago I began reflecting on the past year and dreaming about the one to come, as most people do. What will I take away from 2011? What will be my goals for 2012? I even went back and read journal entries from this time last year and throughout 2011.

2011 could be summed up with the phrase: “Question Marks”. Sure every day has lots of unknowns but for me it seemed there were A LOT at the end of 2010 into 2011 and they related to every area of my life: family, friends, job, creative endeavors, ministry, and my walk with the Lord.

But now being on the end of 2011 I’d sum it up with “Faithfulness”, not mine but God’s. Was every question answered? Did everything turn out the way I had hoped and dreamed? No, but a lot of things were answered. Some answers were “No,” “Not yet”, or “Wait and see, it is going to be a surprise”. Some answers were BETTER than I could have dreamed or imagined.

I have a job I LOVE. It uses my talents, training, passion, and experience. In a lot of ways it is what I’ve dreamed of doing for years but in some ways it is not what I would have envisioned me doing at all. It is one of the things the Lord blessed me in way that went way beyond my expectations.

I have finally plugged into a local church after searching for nearly 3 years. I have truly grown in my walk with the Lord. I’ve received teaching, exhortation, encouragement, and friendship just when I needed it. I’ve been able to worship the Lord is Spirit and Truth, drawing near to him.

Some questions still linger but it doesn’t mean God has forgotten me or not heard me.

So, what is the phrase for 2012? I very clearly felt the Lord telling me over the weekend it was to “Love Deeper and Better”.

That was confirmed last night when I was reading in 1 Peter, preparing for a Bible Study that starts soon. I landed on “Above all, love each other deeply, because love coves over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

This was further confirmed this morning seeing posts from like: “Love the lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5) and 1 John 4, which is about God’s Love an Ours.

If I am loving deeper and better this going to change me and draw me closer to God and will impact those around me. Will it be easy? No, nothing worthy of pursuing is but it will be good and God will be faithful even when the questions come, and they will come.