Today brings to a close this year of 2023. I’ve already journaled some of the strengths of the year. My most selfish strength of the year was the bountiful garden it provided. Everything I planted yielded well and that is not common, but it sure is appreciated! I’ve also loved and appreciated what God is teaching me through the counseling program. Even though Kathy’s stroke was said to be mild, there is nothing mild about the reality of it and its impact on our daily living. It has awakened both of us to the frailty of our life in its flesh. I know this life is temporary, but until something like this happens, I sure have taken it for granted. 

What I wrote yesterday is paramount for me this year. If I am going to live for Christ, I don’t want any longer to put boundaries around what it is to look like. Being fully obedient to Christ in all aspects of living is my commitment for the coming year and for the rest of my life. I’m sure this will be challenged as each day comes, but I want to be steadfast in my commitment. As I close out this year, I will do so with thanksgiving in my heart and a firm desire to begin the new year devoted to living out Christ’s calling within me. I know to live this out one day at a time.