Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place
in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting thou art God.
Thou turnest man back to the dust,
and sayest, "Turn back, O children of men!"
For a thousand years in thy sight
are but as yesterday when it is past,
or as a watch in the night.
Psalm 90
We make much to the coming of the new year. Resolutions are made, dreams are dreamed, and hopes rise. The new year is born, resolutions fail, dreams fade, and hopes do not materialize as planned.
As the years accumulate, I find myself pondering life's endings, especially my life. It becomes increasingly difficult to convince myself that I have an unlimited future. Jackie and I have begun to plan for our funerals. We have looked for plots in the Garnavillo Cemetery and are prepared to contact the funeral home to pre-plan our funerals. I have a notebook entitled ‘If You Are Reading This...’ in my study for the family to have when I am gone.
As the New Year begins, it is essential to remember that whether it is a year of unbounded successes or the last year we have, God is still God. He has been God long before the mountains were made and will be God after the last atom fizzles out of existence at the end of time.
Regardless of what 2024 brings, we know God will be there for us. God our Father is there if we have unending joys or sorrows without ceasing. Let us place our trust and hope in Him for all the days we have before us.
Blessings in Christ,
Pr. Hatcher