Endings

The clock struck midnight - - - the ball dropped, confetti flew, toasts were made, hugs were given, celebration occurred.  The old year came to a close. 

I've been Standing Still with the ending of this past year... for so many reasons... and have had a few realizations.

Ending - a conclusion, a closure, a finish, a termination, a stop.

Sometimes an ending comes thankfully.  There is a conclusion - a termination; a finish -  to an experience which was difficult... hurtful...painful... sad... a struggle.

Recognition of an ending - whether happy or otherwise - ultimately brings relief.

Ending -the culmination, the sum.

The sum of the experiences of this past year - no matter how difficult - did ultimately culminate in good.  There were lessons and growth. There was realization.  And a detour led to a better path.  There was strengthening.

Standing still with the ending of this year I considered some of what I learned -

              -Often a person's reaction is more the result and a comment on issues they personally have.

              -There is a difference between listening to understand and listening to reply.

              -Some people use words to reflect who they want to be, but actions always show who they really are.

              -You may already have what  you are searching and working so hard for.

              -Detours can be rough; they take time; they are often not planned... but they are for our safety... our benefit-... to either keep or get us on the right path.

              -Sometimes when things are falling apart they may actually be falling into place.

              -Peace isn't always mine to make - but I am always kept in perfect PEACE when I rest in HIM.

              -Where God leads us He will always provide a way.

              -God may not give us what we want but rather He gives us what we truly need.

              -I may not know what tomorrow holds, but I know WHO knows tomorrow.

 What has the sum of the past year culminated in for you? Stand Still and see...

 Matthew 28:20  - I am with you always, unto the very end of the age.

Isaiah 26:3 - “Thou dost keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.”
Proverbs 4:11 - I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.
Isaiah 58:11  The LORD will guide you always; HE will satisfy your needs.