Thoughts of 2019

​As we enter the final month of 2019, traditionally, this is about the time when I sit down and ponder what I accomplished this year.  What went well, what didn’t quite go so well.  The heartaches, frustrations, and disappointments.  The victories and the defeats.  One thing is consistent, is that each year contains all of the above- it is just the number of each that changes.  In the end, I always conclude the same.  Life is never the way you plan it.  Along the way there are many unforeseen events, diagnoses, and actions that were never considered when the plan for the year was being formulated.  All of these things once again remind me, there is a God and I am not he.  All the things that constantly change are the things of this world, while the things of heaven that we read about, never change.  Only God knows what will be, and when it will be- we are powerless over such things.  Therefore, it is important that we learn to follow HIM, seek HIS ways, and to focus on the lasting things that HE says to focus on.  The one fact that constantly stares me in the face is James 4:14 that reminds us, our lives are but a vapor- how true. I guess that is why I struggle to see why so many live their lives as though there is no eternity, and that they are going to live here forever. 
 
So what did I learn from 2019?  That it, like every other year that preceded it, is unpredictable and we MUST trust God in ALL things.
 
What about you?  What are your reflections of this year?  Did you accomplish the goals that you set out to accomplish?  Did you do anything that required a sacrifice from you beyond your comfort zone, for the benefit of the kingdom of God?  Did you set spiritual goals for yourself this year?  Did you reach those goals?
 
As you reflect on what the year meant to you, I want to encourage you to spiritually challenge yourself.  To use whatever time you have on this earth to make a significant difference for the kingdom of God, to bring others to Christ, and lastly to ensure when your time on this earth is up, that others will see the great spiritual legacy that you left behind.  We still have four more weeks of 2019, do something wonderful; there is still time.
 
Blessings.
Lamar