Get Gone 2007

It finally feels like I can move into 2008. I didn't feel like I could fully embrace 08 until this weekend was over which was a dear friend's wedding. It was a very special weekend with Kathleen and Matt, and I'm definitely a fan of the co-maid of honor gig. It was so great to have Crystal as a wingman!

Every year, I generally ask God to give me heads up about the upcoming year. It was actually the week of Christmas when I started reflecting on what might be a theme or challenge or hope or word for 2008. In the process however, it occurred to me that I was ready for 2007 to pack it's bags and go. It was a feeling a little like being with family where the amount of love, respect, depth, secure connection, fun, etc doesn't change the fact that sometimes you're just ready for them to go. Last year on New Year's day I spent the morning reading and journaling and asking the Lord about 2007. The penetrating feeling was that 2007 was going to be harder than the previous year. I remember holding the idea lightly with the Lord having a freeing feeling of waiting to see how it would pan out. Well, my idea about 2007 was most definitely correct and I feel very confident I did not lean into any sensationalism of my brief and defining insight from 1.1.07. It was not 1 hard thing, it was an ongoing refining, humbling, shaping and building into the core of my character marked by some significant moments that caused me to feel deeply, hurt deeply, and be profoundly thankful that God is God and I am not. It was frustrating at times of course, and I understood anger differently this year. But I can't remember a time when I didn't see evidence of God in it. Even if the evidence was God making my soul a little more naked so I would feel the effects of his breath on my life more profoundly, it still felt like God even if it was a little more cold and vulnerable than I'd perhaps chosen. It was even a very big gift to get a heads up about it on 1.1.07. But regardless, I'm finding there's still a little of me that just wants to kick 2007 in the shins. So I've kicked it out. I can't/won't forget it, but I'm moving on and walking away from you 2007. You've done enough and had your say.

As for 2008... It's the Hebrew Shema that I need to understand: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your soul and with all your strength.

Simple...not easy

This verse in first John has struck a deep chord as well and I'm getting the idea that it may take the whole year to make sense of it: Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts.

Let's get going 2008, it's your turn.