As I write this Christmas will soon be here, some of us still have shopping and wrapping to do, and then there will be the unwrapping and the playing/using/wearing part, kind of like the way a New Year might work too. Just like Christmas the New Year is not quite here, but it will be soon, and we will ‘unwrap’ 2017 one day at a time.

What will the New Year bring? We may feel like Charles Dickens book, “Tale of Two Cities” it will be the best of times and the worst of times, but more importantly we will be reminded that like Ecclesiastes 3 “For everything there is a season…” The key of course is being able to recognize and acknowledge God’s presence every day.

It is easy to rejoice when the days are filled with smiles and laughter, it is much harder when we feel overwhelmed, overstressed, taken for granted, and under-loved and underappreciated.

Certainly, there will be changes. Changes in our lives and our circumstances; possibly some positive changes in our health and the health of our loved ones; in our relationships; in our work or school or retirement situations; and in how we choose to handle ourselves and situations. There will be opportunities for us to grow, mature, and make new discoveries.

Of course, some changes will be sad for us and joyful for others. Cindy is going to Spain and we rejoice for her, but we are sad that we will be parted. Fortunately, she is not leaving right away, and hopefully we will make the most of the time God has given us to use each day to show appreciation for her friendship and ministry. Please remember, Sunday Jan. 8, after worship we will be honoring Cindy for her 8½ years of ministry with us and you are welcome and encouraged to bring a card to share your appreciation.

For myself, I will say what I’ve said before: Cindy has been the best colleague I’ve been blessed to work with. From her hard work to her sense of humor, from her ethics, integrity and accountability to her friendship and always feeling a part of our family, she has richly blessed us and will be deeply missed. I am exceedingly happy for her and her opportunity to be with her family and I am deeply grateful for her time, ministry and friendship with us.

God Bless , Donn