Here it is, the start of a new year. Under normal circumstances I would end my new year exclamation with, well, an exclamation point. However, what is potentially in store for this year politically and economically has stayed my hand from inserting the end punctuation. I am not even certain if I should include the word "happy". Indeed, if it is a wish for good things, then I can keep it. If, however, it is a declaration of certainty, then I should remove it. Leaving the words "new year" by themselves hardly seems worth it. Perhaps my title should reflect more candor and realism declaring, rather, "God has brought us this far and will continue to be a faithful and good Shepherd. The freedoms which we have come to love and depend upon may vanish before our eyes, but even if so, it is well with my soul because of He who is faithful and sovereign above all things and to whom I can go and rest in His arms." Ah, but perhaps that is too wordy a title. So, may this new year (days, weeks, months) ahead of us bear to you blessings and unexpected joys which come from the Father.
Those are my two cents.
slp
