Rejoice!

Hello, and happy new year!

I would like to make new year's resolutions, but from experience in the past, I think they might soon become obsolete.  I am not not hopeful, though.  I am anxious, a little tired and restless, but hopeful.

This past month spent in Korea was refreshing.  Conversations with my parents, though tainted with some bickering and fruitless fights, were gentle and loving reminders of wise truths.  I am thankful to God for my parents; I could not have better.  I am thankful to God for the church he has planted in that area through my parents.  Much work has yet to be done, and many more workers are still needed, but I rejoice in the fruit of their labor and the peace that God has granted them.  Parting is always bittersweet.

I am reminded today of something that was given to me in glimpses this past month.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.  The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice!  Always.  There are many things that I am anxious about, but God tells me to rejoice -- He is at hand.