So many things can happen in 365 days. You can fall in love. You can have your heart broken, or break someone else's heart. You can get sick. You can have a wreck. You can lose a loved one. You can experience someone's new life, physically or spiritually. You can get a tattoo. You can lose friends you never expected to lose. You can gain amazing friendships you never saw coming. You can get a new roommate. You can run away from God's calling. You can obey God's calling and experience His goodness. You can travel and experience new places you never dreamed of going to. In just 365 short days, so many things can happen, and so much can change.
A lot of new things have happened to me this year, including some of the things listed. I got a tattoo. I've gotten closer to so many new friends. I got a job as a ministry intern at an awesome church. I look back at this time last year and I can't count all the changes that have happened since then. But there's one thing that hasn't changed.
God.
Sometimes change is needed and good. But sometimes, change is scary and uncomfortable and not wanted. Knowing that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever is so comforting. It's amazing to know that the God we read about in the bible is still the same now as He was when He created the universe, when He was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, and when He was faithful to His promises to Abraham.
It's comforting to know that God's goodness and mercy never changes. I'm a sinner. I make mistakes. But God sent His only perfect Son to save me from my sins. No matter how far I try to run, He's always right there when I turn and run back to Him. When I wrestle with what He's calling me to, He is patient until I give in. And He always shows me that what I was wrestling with is something great that He has planned for me. Whether it be missions, ministry, or just a small decision, He always sees it through.
Some of us have gone through some big changes this past year. And at the time, some of those changes really stink. But as I look back on this year, I see God's hands in them. I see the things He was working for my good and for the good of His kingdom.
So, see ya later 2016!
2017, bring it on.