Looking back, Looking forwards

I'm not sure what the pschology of "the end of the year thing" is about, it's not logical!
After all, unlike our computers with their recycle bins, it's not possible to drag and drop everything from the past year into the recycle bin and be done with it .... or, Christologically speaking, is it?

But for the moment, the former mind set is working on me! and I can't wait for this year to end because it's been one of the worst for me! Oh I know there have been some good moments too, but predominantly the feeling is one of this being an "Annus Horriblus" to quote royalty.
The end of the year is a staging post of course. A moment to pause and reflect and we've managed to make a whole market out of the new resolution mind set. And the whole gym subscription community goes into overdrive in January to compensate for the over indulgences of the festive period.
But yes, I'm looking back, and I shall look back on my blogs too. On Dec 31st and Jan 1st, I shall want to be somewhere where there is some sea and the wind is howling and the sea thrashing about and then I shall quietly make some prayers of letting go, some confession and repentance and some covenant promises to God for the new year.
The covenant words of the Methodists have this wonderful depth that does not buy into prosperity or comfort, but simply asks God to travel with us:

"Put me to what you will; rank me with whom you will. Make me lower, make me higher. I freely and gladly yield all things to you...."

I shall also try to reflect and learn lessons from 2011 and try to change so that my character and lifestyle will be different. I can only change when I want to, and when God's Spirit assists me of course.

So, 2012 may, God willing bring a deeper, wiser, more graceful discipleship experience, through whatever may be thrown at us, and at me. The wisest comments made to me in 25 years of ministry and near to 30 years of Christian faith, have all been about grace and mercy: showing it, exercising it, receiving it.

As to the future, well all the signs are that we are in for a rough future as a country - ovbiously economically, but the out working of this is beginning now to be fully realised in all aspects of life and community. If ever people needed hope and faith and a God who can change their lives, this is the time. There is a season then, ahead of opportunity and mission for all who name Christ as Saviour and for the church that bears it's name.