two thousand and nine

We're staring at the New Year right in the face.
An exciting time for me.

Another year has passed... 2009 promises to bring lots of new things. In just over 3 weeks, I'll be turning 17, which means I can get my N (I'd advise you to stay off the sidewalks, let alone the roads). Sketchy, eh? When did I grow up?
Also in 2009, I'll be finishing my first year at a new school. Within the year, I'll be starting my last year of high school - now THAT'S crazy.

2008 has been a year of lots of struggles, hurdles and other challenges... But it has also been 360 days of continual blessings, and most definitely a learning experience. After some thought, I've come up with a word to summarize my 2008:

awakening

Over 2008 I've definitely had some major realizations. I won't get into too much detail, but, I've realized many things about myself, as well as about others, and the world in general. I think those realizations have mainly changed me for the better. God's done a lot of work in my life over the past 8760 hours.

Which brings me to my next point... My word for the upcoming year:

change

Change can be frightening, and change can be painful. But, there is no growth without pain. I've been scared of change mainly because it's a giant question mark. I'm not too fond of the unknown. But I believe a key part to Christianity and a relationship with God is willingness to change. So that's what I want to do as I enter 2009... I want to be willing to change.

Let’s face it, we talk about change, but we don’t handle change really well, and when we speak of change it isn’t frequently that we can do it with our whole hearts, without the voices of cynicism falling down around us like the dead leaves on Ohio running trails. The Hebrew writers of the Proverbs certainly studied nature, recognized the immediacy of change, and encouraged it with open arms (see also Bob Dylan’s version of the Proverb). But our faith is one built entirely on the promises of change. In fact, it is founded in the idea that change has already been resoundingly delivered.

-Matt Litton, Running Into Change (Relevant Magazine)

I believe that change is necessary. For me, for others, and the world on whole. Change is going to happen. Are you going to make change happen, or is it going to happen to you?

Take an active role in your life. I'm going to try with mine. As my youth pastor says, live with purpose. Think about what you are doing, and don't just stand around, waiting for God, or others, to do things for you. If we all start making conscious changes in our lives, I have a feeling that something good will happen.

Thou shalt not be a victim. Thou shalt not be a perpetrator. Above all, thou shalt not be a bystander.

- Holocaust Museum, Washington DC

There are only two ways of spreading light - to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.

-Edith Wharton, Novelist

Blessings to everyone for 2009.
Happy New Year.