Thoughts on a Friday

With 2009 coming to a close in a couple of weeks, I find it interesting how my heart and mind wander into reflection mode almost naturally.  In celebration of a new year upon us we usually look back over the past year to remember what has happened, and at times we are glad at what we find and in others we aren't so thrilled.  We rattle off some resolutions for the new year, and then it's off to the races yet again.

I'm only 29, but in light of recent events that have shaped our December as a family I find myself in more of an introspective moment today.  2009 brought to us our son, Cannon, more memories, a bunch of firsts and a lot of life lessons.  As I begin this process of looking back and reflecting upon what was and what I've learned from this past year, I'm searching for something in which to measure success.  For some this can mean how much money was earned, or spent, or stuff was accumulated.  For others it may mean what sort of challenges were overcome or changes occurred.  Still others would define success by the growth of relationships in their lives.  I'm learning more and more that success in light of the kingdom of God, success is defined not by any of these other things that I've mentioned.  True success is defined by one's obedience to God's prompting and leading in their life.

As I look back on 2009 for the Frizzell house I can see God's hand at work and moments where we engaged with what He was doing and responded to His prompting in obedience.  In other cases, we wrestled with responding in obedience.

A good friend of mine was said that obedience is perhaps the only way we can show God and others that we are truly in love with Jesus.  One year is but a chapter in the great book of life, and as a co-author of your life's story, how has 2009 helped shape the view of God people have from what they have seen in you and through you?  As I look back on my own journey, I'm hoping to find more moments of obedience that point to life in Christ; moments that push me to continue to grow, mature and become who God has created me to be.  My prayer for each of you is the same, that your life's story would point to Christ and that your obedience to Him would be a fragrant offering of hope and life in a world that is in need of truth and encouragement!