Review Life

The last day of 2012. What is to be done? Family time, celebrations, fireworks, shopping or some other year-end festivity.

The day dawned with bright sunshine and a crisp 31 degrees at our house. The house was quiet until my grandson, Grant awoke. He had spent last night with us, since this would be his last holiday before returning to daycare and learning activities with other children.

The last day of the year is the ubiquitous "review day." Yet, serious thinking about what we do each and every day never seems to be important until now. We don't think about reading the news headlines, or how much coffee we drink, or the myriad of things that make up our days during the year. And we -- at least most of us -- don't consider that each of these unexamined days form the fabric of our lives.

Of course, most people naturally know that life is not to be lived in a flippant manner. We live according to plans and purpose. Even if we do not actually sit down and intentionally think about the purpose for which we live, it can be seen in our daily actions and our bank account transactions and our relationships. What do we believe? What is important to us? To whom are we committed? Such elements of life may never be written down in our journals, but the is evidence is right there in our lives for discerning, interested individuals to review.

The point of all this? On this last day of 2012, most of us will make no changes to our normal routines. we will most likely do the same things we have done all the other 364 days of this year. And, to some degree, that is very good because it shows to us that we are happy with our lives and are already doing what we are supposed to be doing in life, so no change is necessary.

We can spend this day in comfort and confidence, knowing that God is still on his throne and his plan and purpose is on schedule. "Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee. How great thou art . . . how great thou art."

And while the world spends the last minutes of this day in awe of community fireworks displays, we can spend those same minutes on our knees before our magnificient, holy God and Savior, praising him and thanking him for his manifold blessings during this year. And we will commit the New Year and all its days to the Only Wise Eternal God who will walk every step with us in 2013.

Dear Father, our hearts are overwhelmed with your grace and mercy and blessings shown to us this 2012 year. We commit all its sorrows and victories into your safekeeping. Empower us to live 2013 in the light and life of your Son, Jesus Christ. This I pray in the name of him who takes away the sin of the world. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today as you review life,