Au Revoir, 2009...

As I write this, all of Asia and Europe have shucked off the old year, and are embarking on the possibilities that we all hope 2010 will bring. I must admit, I will shed no tears at the passing of this year. It isn't that the year was entirely horrible.

Just stressful.

Which brings me to my real confession. I admit that my attitude has hit bottom this year. My petty grumpiness hit a low. (Writing that sentence in a somewhat detached manner - as if the "grumpiness" itself is the problem and not me - helps me to simultaneously own and duck responsibility for my actions. Did it work?)

The problem... ok, ok... my problem is simple. I have not lived life with passion. I let myself get caught up and swept out in the undertow of busyness and stress. I forgot to approach life with enthusiam and joy and gratitude for all God has done (and continues to do) for me.

No more.

I don't do New Year's resolutions. However, there is something about the changing of the years that makes one want to use it as a demarcation for change.

Change.

Passion.

Joy.

2010 is going to be a blessed year. I can choose to look to Christ for strength and stride forward with gusto. Or I can trudge into drudgery. The choice is mine.

I choose to live as God created me, to do what He has gifted me to do, and to be creative about it. I choose to follow Christ and leave the results to Him.

I choose passion.

I choose joy.

2010 is heading west over the Atlantic Ocean, bringing with it the exhiliration of possibility and newness and change. A fresh breeze. Wonderful opportunities.

Welcome 2010.