The end of the year is often bittersweet for me. There have been times that I have been thankful to see the year end. Other times, I am aware of how quickly time is passing and how there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to accomplish everything I would like to accomplish. At least not if I want to fit in sleep too.

This is also the time of year when I evaluate my life. Am I doing anything well? Where am I failing? Why am I here? How can I do better in the coming year? Am I fulfilling God’s calling on my life? I believe that these are questions we should all ask ourselves, but they can also be depressing so I have been fighting that lately too.

More than anything as I look back at this year, I see God’s blessings. My health has improved, business was good, I was able to visit with family and spend time with friends all over the country. God brought me through another year so He must not be finished with me. That is very encouraging.

As I look ahead to the coming year, I’m eager to see the blessings that await. I know there will be heartaches too but I trust that God will give me the grace to go through each one.  As Dottie Rambo sang, “He didn’t promise my heart would not be broken, but He did say He’d mend it again.” Aren’t you thankful for that promise?

In closing, I want to wish you all a very God-filled 2018. If I do nothing else next year, I want to keep encouraging you to run after God with all of your heart. They say that marriage relationships take work. Having a close relationship with God takes work as well. Don’t become lazy. Keep seeking Him and His will for your life and then walk in that will. Then, and only then, will you find peace and joy beyond imagination.

God bless you all. See you next year!