A Special Year

Realizing "the jury" is still out on whether or not we should celebrate birthdays, I do enjoy taking note of the milestones and I like cake.  I like to assess the last year for accomplishment and not to dwell on disappointment, but acknowledge what I'd just as soon not experience again.  I also like to look forward to things I'd like to accomplish, Elohim willing.  So, here it is, a week after my latest milestone and I'm feeling quite blessed and energetic about the plans that appear to be unfolding.  I've faced a few facts about myself last year, which made room for some new and exciting challenges.  As I read last year's blog about my birthday, the awareness that much has gone into place toward practical preparation just washed over me.

The last couple of months have been filled with activity toward the latest "project" in practical preparation and as I walked into my office the other day, I simply smiled to myself and thought just how much I do feel like Abraham or Moses.  Although I'm not yet 75 or 80, 60 is on the not so distant horizon and I'm just now getting a real glimpse of my call in the bigger vision.  Forty years ago, I was on the threshold of adulthood, thinking I had a plan, and I was simply clueless.  All these years later, I can look back and see how merciful YHWH has been.  Regardless of what happens, this year is going to be special!  According to the Gregorian calendar, I was born in 1958 and I am now 58 years of age.  I've been granted more years than many, and given a life I certainly don't deserve.

All my adult life, I've been a sucker for obligations, but not this year.  I intend to walk in the integrity of Messiah.  If I give my word on a matter, I intend to keep it, but . . . and it's a BIG BUT.  I do not intend to give my word casually and I will not have someone put words in my mouth.  Most of my communication will likely be in written form, so I'm sure of my words.  When I'm wrong, I say I'm wrong and life experience has taught me, the less said, the fewer times I'm wrong.

I do have one goal that I hope is the will of YHWH.  I hope to be able to keep the fifth commandment while putting an end to something I've tolerated for as long as I can remember.  This year, at 58, I plan to ask my 74 year old mother to please stop telling me how I can or cannot feel and what I should or shouldn't say.  I also plan to have no further discussions regarding weight or diet with her.  She went on a diet and lost a significant amount of weight.  I tried to compliment her but rather than accept the compliment graciously, she informed me that I should go on a diet.  Hopefully, the fact that I told her I didn't want to go on a diet and I was happy the way I am will resolve that issue.  Considering the fact that she made her first comment about my weight 55 years ago, this time honored topic may not die so easily.  At any rate, I believe I'm up for the challenge and if not, I'll let it go to voice mail and return the call when I'm sure I'm prayed up . . .

According to the book of James, our plans are to be qualified with "if it be the will of Elohim."  Well, I have a few certainties in mind for the coming year.  Every morning that He causes me to awaken, I plan to be grateful, which I know is His will.  Everything He leads me to set my hand to, I intend to do with "all I got," which I know is His will, it's in writing!  This year will be special and while I'm not trying to sound selfish, I don't intend to participate in too many extraneous obligations or spend energy on distractions and drama.  I plan to be busy about my Father's business . . . which is also a guarantee to be His will.  It seems, the distractions and drama are how we miss His will.  I plan to present my body a living sacrifice, which is "my reasonable service" and to be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Elohim.