What did you think of '09?

I can't believe it's 2010!  I'm sure I'll be writing '09 by mistake for a couple weeks.  Speaking of '09....it was interesting, don't you think?  Challenging is a word that comes to mind when describing '09.  The economy was one such challenge for many.  I have friends and family who were challenged by health issues.  Others found themselves out of a job.  One way or another though, we made it to 2010!  Our God has been faithful.  I am so grateful.

I get really perturbed by some people who are ungrateful by the fact that they made it to 2010.  For example, on New Years Eve I saw social network comments like "Glad '09 is history!"  "09 was the pits" or "Don't let the door hit you on the way out, 09."  This is such an arrogant viewpoint.  Out of humility we should say, "Thank you, God for getting me through!"  I understand it was a challenging year for some, but we made it.  Furthermore, we must learn to recognize these challenges as opportunities.  I know it's easier said than done.  But the Bible teaches us God provides resistance to make us stronger.  

The woe-is-me attitude is to say 2009 was lousy.  With that kind of attitude though, do you really think it's going to turn around on a dime in 2010?  I'm not saying that we can simply think or will our way to a better year.  What I am saying is that God is sovereign.  He will get us through.  We praise Him in the good and the not-so-good.  To paraphrase John Piper, "God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him."  That is why we are here - to glorify God.  (1 Peter 4:11)

Thank you, God for each day of 2009.  Thank you for every challenge, heartache, and moment of joy.  Because none of us knows what tomorrow may bring, we are so grateful for each day.  We look forward to 2010 with eager anticipation knowing that You will be by our side.

GrantJ