I hear so many people talk about the fact that they cannot wait until the year 2016 is over. They mention celebrity deaths and other tragedies as examples of why they believe that 2016 was a terrible year. This goes along with the annual shared hope that the following year will bring more joy, and perhaps more blessings, then the prior year. 

But for me, moving on from 2016 means that in a way I must let go of Jacob’s story. The events of his life that transformed ours all transpired in the year 2016. Moving on into a new year means just that, moving on. I’m torn with that concept because on one hand I feel as though we’re ready to move on. Yet, on the other hand I oddly found comfort in clinging to the familar though painful memories.

And so, like many times before, I find solace in wise words from scripture. I am thankful to our minister for bringing the following to our attention:

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Proverbs 19:21

Deb and I had plans for 2016. Frankly, those plans were torn, discarded and replaced with Jacob’s journey. And so it is that we fully rely on God that His purpose is superior to ours and that whatever it is that He has in store for us will be good. Thank God for that. Happy New Year to you all.