Getting into a new year is like opening a brand-new box of crayons. You expect the colors you want to use, but the tips are pristine; and you might be surprised with some new shades not seen before. With a new year, you have the same-ole schedule, and yet expectations are heightened to the point of anticipating surprises that border on hope.
I’ve looked forward to the end of 2021 for several reasons. One is because I’ll be finishing books I’ve been reading all year. December 31 marks the completion of going through The One Year Pray for Life Bible (NLT) promoted by Joni Eareckson Tada. Without any reservation, I can say I’m proud of this accomplishment: reading the whole Bible in one year. Each day included an Old Testament passage, New Testament passage, in order, along with a Psalm and a few verses from Proverbs. Only a few days out of 2021 did I have to double-up on reading the prescribed selections. I will also complete a book of prayers: Jesus Every Day: A Journey Through the Bible in One Year by Mary DeMuth. She selected a verse or two from Scripture each day and then composed a prayer. These have been heart-warming and spiritually strengthening. I recommend both books, along with Mary’s podcast: Pray Every Day.
If I were to do inventory, I could report on lessons learned about myself. One proved itself late one night: I am insistent but not persuasive. I can insist that Bill do something, but that doesn’t persuade him to do it. How’s that for a laugh? I thought I had a new technique, and while new it was not effective. He won. Now I take that as a slight win for me also, for I found out something about myself and can value that lesson.
So what do I hope to see happen in the new year? What could be the best gift for us all is that Covid would die a quick death. Too many of our family are reporting positive with this new strand. Aren’t you tired of this pandemic? I know your answer; it’s the same as mine. We want to be back to normal. But our son told me that normal is only a setting on the dryer. That so, I want to experience a day without news of someone else I know who tested positive for Covid. That would be a sweet gift. To know that we are healthy, experiencing the best we can be would welcome in the new year.
Ann Coker 
No matter what happens in 2022, I know our Lord will still be in charge, and I know you believe that as well. Thank you, Jesus! You and Bro. Bill be blessed every day in the New Year ahead!
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Thank you for sharing from your heart Ann. Always appreciate your sharing JESUS with us. We are still working on selling of the family home we have had for over 50 years. Still need to move furniture out , and we seem to get SLOWER @ doing so. BUT Have committed the task to our LORD and HE is showing us every step of the way. Praying with you that we’ll be able to see covid go by the wayside too. Our GOD is SOVERIGN and in control so there is no fear. Continuing to pray for our son in law with stage 4 cancer of the colon and asking THE LORD for a healing miracle for him. It’s been a blessing to see his faith grow in so many ways as well as ours as well. We TRUST in HIM no matter what. Started reading thru the bible in a year again this year but did not make it all the way thru, so will try again starting today. Everyday I send a devotional to my Niece and we we encourage one another with THE WORD. Happy NEW YEAR to and BILL and your wonderful loving family, Ann. Lovingly IN CHRIST, Marti, HIS child, wife, mother, G’ma, Great G’ma, and homemaker.
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Love you too, Marti. Appreciate how you encourage me. May God’s blessings be abundant in 2022.
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