We saw bombs in the Boston Marathon, and we saw Boston strong. We saw the Red Sox win the World Series. We saw Miley Cyrus lose every ounce of innocence at the now legendary VMA's. We saw Rob Ford and his illegal substance escapades make Toronto (and Canada) a laughingstock. We saw the election of Pope Francis. We saw the birth of Prince George. We saw the death of Nelson Mandela. And the death of Margaret Thatcher. We saw the U.S. government shut down. We saw the one year anniversary of Iranian Christian pastor Saeed Abedini's imprisonment. We saw A&E pull Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty over his controversial comments on homosexuality. We saw tsunamis and slavery and sickness and famine and tragedy. We also saw beauty and life and forgiveness and victory and grace. It was a year of sorrow and joy. Perhaps for you it was marked more with pain - or maybe pleasure. Whatever it is, we can praise God for His faithfulness.
For me it was a year of blessing and growth. I got my driver's license. I started college. I left project ARC. I went to the Caribbean. I tap danced for the first time. I learned how to cook something other than frozen pizza and chicken nuggets. I finished memorizing the book of Romans. I started a chronological Bible reading plan - the same one as my brother. And a host of other things - some nice, some not so nice. But I pray as we look back on this year, reliving memories, laughing over the joys, and still weeping over the sorrows, we ask ourselves some important questions.
How did I glorify God this year?
What were the sins I struggled with most?
Was I faithful to the gospel?
Did I become more holy?
Did my actions reflect my commitment to the King?
As we enter upon this new year, the first in our years of eternity ahead, let us focus our minds and hearts on the one truth that affects everything. Let us strive to know God more. Let us seek to sin less. Let us long to love better. Let us dedicate "another year for Thee."