Boxing Day (Christmas is Over)

"Take it all down
Christmas is over
Do not despair but rather be glad
We had a good year. Now let's have another
Remembering all the good times that we had
Oh no more lights glistening
No more carols to sing
But Christmas it makes way for spring
The hearts of men are bitter and weathered
As cold as the snow that falls from above
But just for one day we all come together
We showed the whole world that we know how to love
Oh remember that Christmas it makes way for spring"
-Relient K, Boxing Day

My mother and I went to Aberdeen today. Not to return anything, though, my mother doesn't like it when people return things the day after Christmas. Actually, I am also inherited my mother's opinion that you should always be grateful for any gift you receive and you should never return them. Maybe that's why white elephant gifts are so appealingly fun? Anyway, we went to Aberdeen and got mostly red on sale Christmas stuff that we can use for the Valentine's Banquet (I am going to be extra prepared this year, well, next year) and I got a couple things thanks to the wonderful use of gift cards.

On our way up to Aberdeen, it was super foggy. I do not at all like fog. It was think fog that made it hard to see the cars coming until they were right beside you. My mom said, "The sun isn't strong enough to get rid of the fog." It was funny, because I have always thought that fog was an amazing illustration about trusting God even when we can't see the next few feet in front of us. Because you know what? The sun isn't always strong enough, but man, the Son sure is always strong enough to help us through even when we don't know what the next step will be.

As for Christmas being over, it's weird. It means a new year is quickly approaching. And I know what this new year will bring: changes. Maybe not all at once, but I know 2008 will be a year of a lot of changes. My brother is going to graduate. I will start my senior year. I will be going to Africa for crying out loud. This year is going to be crazy. But in a good way. I know I should look at it more like this will be the year where God will teach and show me amazing new things. But I don't like change, I don't know if I am ready for all the changes 2008 will bring. I don't know if I want to celebrate New Year's Eve when it comes. I know I can't avoid it, but it's going to be hard to celebrate changes. I tell you what, I better not be by myself New Year's Eve or I will probably be bringing in the new year crying my eyes out. Ha, ha. I sound pathetic. I am going to try to end on a positive note. (More than just, hey, at least I'm being honest with you.) 2008, I will let God take me to places I'm afraid of. God is with me no matter what. I know God has a plan and I want 2008 to be the year where I am at the center of God's will for my life. God is in control. God is in control of my life, 2008, and my future. God will take me exactly where He wants me to go. Good or bad, bring it on.