How was your Christmas? Did you spend some time meditating on the Reason for the Season? If you did, then I know you had a good one!

It is only the day after Christmas, and many, especially in Canada where the day after Christmas, also known as “Boxing Day”, is an alternative to Christmas for many people. So many have multiple families to visit over the holidays, that some will choose to celebrate Christmas on Boxing Day in order to have everyone present. Nonetheless, whether it is still Christmas in your house or not, December 26 means that the new year is only 6 short days away, and for me, it means a time of reflection.

If, at the beginning of this current year, you had asked me where I expected to be at the end of the upcoming year, I would likely have said that I would be surrounded by family, I would be looking back on some tough times, yes, but also on some pretty good times, and I would likely have said that I was sure that no matter what, I knew that God would carry me through.

I can guarantee you that I would never have answered that I would see myself in a nursing home before the end of the year. Yet this is exactly what happened. My failing cognition began roaring down a steep and slippery slope around Christmas of last year, and by summer, my wife could no longer take care of me at home. When I went into a nursing home in mid-August, I was sure my worst nightmare had come true, the thing I feared the most had come to pass.

I have to admit, however, that it hasn’t been nearly as bad as I anticipated. In fact, this has become home to me, and the mere thought of even leaving the building brings on my anxiety. The staff are caring, some of them even seem to think I’m special, and they are giving me medication that helps me to not be violent towards other people. All in all, even though I have been forced to live my worst fear, I know God is with me, I feel His hand upon me, carrying me through one step at a time!

Even when we don’t understand why these bad things happen to us, we can understand that by relying solely on God, things will somehow work out okay! Hasn’t He said through divine inspiration, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes….those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.” (Psalms 37:7,9b,10 NIV)? Hasn’t He promised, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)?

Yet another new year is coming upon us. What do I expect from this new year? Where do I expect to be at the end of it?

I don’t know, and I’m not going to venture to speculate. Instead, I’m going to put my trust in the One who does know, the One who has promised to make everything beautiful in His time! I am going to accept without reservation whatever comes upon me this year, living in total surrender to the One who can make a difference!

Will you join me?

Inspired by Rob Chaffart
Founder, Answers2Prayer Ministries