Happy first day of 2012! Some years I approach with fear, others with joyful anticipation. This year I really don’t feel either extreme. Only God knows for sure what’s ahead, and I can trust Him with the future.

This year our youngest is scheduled to graduate and then go to college — probably to college away from home, different from the other two boys who commuted. So that joyful time of graduation and then sad time of the youngest leaving will happen within a few months of each other. And past experience tells me the whole year will probably be like that, highs and lows juxtaposed.

I haven’t made New Year’s resolutions in years: it seemed like I should always just keep doing what I am supposed to be doing, no matter the day on the calendar, responding to God’s conviction when it comes rather than waiting for Jan 1. But this post about planning has me thinking about it. And a previous study I did on Biblical resolutions indicates that making some determinations is a good thing to do. A general “I need to do better in this area” doesn’t usually get it. I wonder if my tendency not to make resolutions is a convenient “out,” a way not to deal with problem areas. This example of a young friend put me to shame: I need to improve in many of those areas! There hasn’t been much time for quiet reflection the last couple of weeks, but I am mulling things over.

A verse that I often think of at the beginning of a year is Deuteronomy 11:11-12: But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven: A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.

I’ve posted this before, but it contains many of my thoughts for the new year:

Another year is dawning
With the chance to start anew.
May I be kinder, wiser, Lord,
In all I say and do.

Not so caught up in selfish gain
That I would fail to see
The things in life that mean the most
Cost not a fancy fee.

The warm, kind word that I can give,
The outstretched hand to help,
The prayers I pray for those in need–
More precious these than wealth.

I know not what may lie ahead
Of laughter or of tears;
I only need to know each day
That You are walking near.

I’m thankful for this brand new year
As now I humbly pray,
My hand secure in Yours, dear Lord,
Each step along the way.

-Author unknown