you make all things new

when the world has fallen out from under me
I’ll be found in You, still standing
when the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
when time and space are through
I’ll be found in You

You make all things new.

(Brooke Fraser, “Shadowfeet”)

i can’t wait for the New Year– to shed these days of 2007 and finally leave this train and start anew. i already have a new moleskinne notebook (fresh and blank) just waiting in my drawer with the words “This is 2008″ written on its very first page. A new pen to write with. A new devotional guide for the year. My room is very nearly clean– it seems i had taken all year to clear it out, but i’m almost there. all i need is fresh paint and shelves.

so much has happened in 2007 that it seemed the year had too few days to accommodate it. we found the world’s end in Batanes. left a job i thought i was going to stay in for a long time, a job found me and paid me well enough to fund my two-month haiatus across the Pacific then promptly disappeared when i got back. another job with another magazine with people i am so grateful and happy to work with. had several beach days after a year of drought. became the Tishpy. renewed friendships and made new ones. my sister got engaged and is getting married after the new year.
i had forgiven with a heart that’s finally whole, only to open it up again and have it left behind– for everyone’s good, in trust and in obedience, possibly marred, but still whole. but along with that, this year, God handed my vision back, after i had lost it in distraction. He has restored the joy in my salvation. He opened my eyes and showed me how to look at circumstances and friends and family, and Him in a different perspective– making everything seem like new. this is a year where He stretched my trust, humbled me, taught me, left me alone, and showed me myself again (which wasn’t all that pretty– but still, it was recognizable). and even if right now every thing feels unfinished, He who began this work will be faithful to complete it.

and no matter how much i can’t wait for the next year to come, i will spend the last days of 2007 relishing it, grateful for it and praising my God– our God. no matter what happened this year– and what will happen in the next one– i know i’m still in His hands. it’s a great place to be in– when every thing has been turned upside down and one can only pray.

2008 is gonna be awesome– yes, even more legendary than 2007 has been.