The turning of a new year brings introspection and the chance to evaluate where we are in the course of our lives. And I, like many others, pause as 2008 turns into 2009 to see if I am where I think I should be in my life.

Am I where I thought I would be?

No.

I am where I where I think God is calling me to be?

Yes. To the best of my capabilities.

Try as we might, life seldom goes in exactly the direction we thought it would. Given that, how do we react? That is the greatest lesson I have learned over the past several years of being on my own. I cannot control how life will proceed. But I can control how I will react to what happens to me.

My just-completed vacation with the family reminded me (in not so pleasant ways) that I don't always react in the way that I wish I would. Habits created early in life have a way of creeping back in when I least suspect them to. But I still have to step back and ask myself, "Is this how I want to deal with this situation?"

So as 2008 gives way to 2009, I pause once again to ask myself, "Am I being true to who God made me to be?" And my honest answer has to be, "No." But I will continue to struggle to make that answer, "Yes."

I know that God created me, and loves me, and wants me to be a healthy, happy being in God's good creation. To that end, I will continue to work on reacting in positive and helpful ways no matter the situation. And I will continue to ask for God's help in this endeavor.

May 2009 be good for all of us as we strive to make God's kindom a reality here and now.

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Nothing says American holiday like a road trip. And my family has decided that this is how we will spend our Christmas vacation this year. My siblings and I will be gathering at my parents' home outside of Phoenix, Arizona, on Monday and Tuesday so that we can all pile in a rental car and head to Santa Fe, New Mexico - a 10-hour drive if all goes well.

We haven't embarked on such an undertaking in years. Years! And for good reason. We like each other best when there is a lot of space between us. My sister lives near where we grew up in Michigan. My brother lives in Asheville, NC. And I have claimed the left coast for myself by establishing a long history with the lovely city of San Francisco. My parents split their time between Michigan in the summers and Arizona in the winters.

So how will we fare spending 10 hours in such close proximity to one another for two days in the same week? I have to say I'm not holding out high hopes here. Anyone with whom I have discussed these plans in the past weeks will tell you that I am approaching this vacation plan with MUCH trepidation. I would like to think that we have matured to a point of handling it well. But I know my family.

But, the plans are made. And tomorrow I hop on a plane to jump into that fray. You can bet I'll be testing the limits of prayer this week!

Merry Christmas and may God's peace be real this season.

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