what's new?

Well, if those who are “experts” in the study of Mayan culture and calendars are right, this may well be the year the world sees its end. I’m not sure about all of that, but my world is certainly going to be different.

The ushering in of 2012 represents a boatload of change for me.

Prior to leaving, a few of the people close to me remarked that it was amazing that I could just pick up, move away, and start all over – not knowing anyone or much of anything about the place I’m going.

I’m hardly the first. People do it all the time.

It’s not the first time for me, either.

I think it’s my fourth.

It’s never easy to leave the ones I love and the places I’m comfortable. These things don’t always play out like I imagine them – sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.

My 31 years have been littered with missed opportunities and goofy decisions, with failures of all kinds against backdrops of both arrogance and insecurity. I’ve been seduced by the enemy into believing that the forbidden fruit in my hands was indeed too good to pass up. Those are the moments that didn’t quite measure up to the heroic man of God I aspire to be.

My 31 years have also been painted, in majestic fashion, by the hand of a God who loves me.

That statement alone gives my rational side a migraine. God had no reason to love me, yet that doesn’t stop Him.

I think about my mom’s two little dogs – rescue dogs – who love the one that loves them. They still pee on the carpet sometimes, but they are loved all the same.

I was rescued. Adopted. Because a God who had no reason to love me or look my direction chose to pick me up and hold me.

Yeah, I still pee on the carpet and chew on the furniture, but I am loved all the same - and I love the one who loves me. Even when he has to swat me.

I’ve been allowed to take part in so many ministry opportunities and to have conversations and relationships that I could never deserve, expect, or arrange. I look back at situations in life and chuckle, because I could be real proud of some of the good things I’ve done, but I know inside that they had nothing to do with me. It was just a matter of doing what was laid in front of me to do.

In all of my failing, I  have learned the danger of judgment. I’ve been on both edges of that sword. I’ve wielded the wounding blade of arrogant legalism, and I’ve been run through by it.

Grace is so much the better option.

I guess Jesus knew what He was doing.

I’ve said this before recently, but it’s so true for all of us on either side.

God’s mercies are new daily. I want yours to be. Why shouldn’t mine be?

Jesus said every day is a new commitment. A fresh start. Shouldn’t I give you the same benefit? I certainly want you to give me a new chance.

Human nature, though, is a crazy thing.

I justify all day long a thousand reasons to hold a grudge.

I could give you a million reasons to keep to keep talking about me when I’m not around. Lord knows I could fuel THAT fire forever.

For those of you who know me personally, you know that I’m not the world’s most humble person, so it might come as a surprise to you that the mere fact that I have been called to Colorado to continue serving Christ is deeply humbling to me at my core – especially given the timing.

My pride (and common sense) tell me that I simply don’t deserve to be used anymore.

My Redeemer tells me that He’s not only not done with me yet, He’s just getting started.

It’s all crazy to me.

Grace is a weird, offensive, counter-intuitive anomaly to the way my little brain works.

Like Moses or Jeremiah, I could argue with God all day long about why I’m not qualified.

Been there, done that.

No more.

The sun rises every day and the risen Son gives me new life every day.

The metamorphosis of the passing landscape on the trip here is indicative of the changing landscape of life from start to finish.

I’m beyond thrilled about what lies ahead of me, and I am reflective – with varying conclusions – on the days that lie behind me. I’m going to side with Paul on leaving the past where it belongs.

Minute by minute, you and I are given fresh opportunities to be faithful and, as a result, pleasing to God.

When I woke up this morning, I had a new perspective.

New day.

New commitment.

New mercies.

Happy new year, everyone.

What’s new with you?