2013: Breaking Ground

If not for fireworks and a ball dropping in Time Square, I’m not sure I would have paid the beginning of 2013 much attention.  This is pretty odd for me, as most new years I relish the feeling of a fresh start and seek God for vision and dreams for this year.  2012 chewed me up in some ways, and I think I felt a little tossed and turned, and spit out into 2013.  I’m happy to be here…I’m just a tad gooey. Anyone else?

Last week my roommates prayed over me and shared that they felt like God had me in a season of sowing in tears- that my heart was breaking for many things, but His purpose was to birth bigger dreams.

I thought of this recently when talking about Noah and the flood in my  3rd/4th grade class.  One student asked, “Why did God promise never to flood the earth again?” Another shared that maybe it broke God’s heart to destroy His creation and He couldn’t bear to do it again. Her response got me thinking of God’s perspective during the flood – that He was watching His great dream; to grow a family after His own heart, slowly unravel because of man’s sin.  Maybe the flood was a little bit like sowing in tears for God.  In the end, though, it was the flood that led to new hope, refreshing and cleansing. 

I think this is what I’m holding onto walking into 2013: the hope of breaking new ground.  Sometimes expectations go unmet and sometimes dreams appear crushed.  But His peace and steadfast love brings news of dry land, like the dove to Noah’s ark.  And as the psalmist reminds us, “those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” Pslam 126: 6

If 2012 found you sowing in tears, I encourage your heart and mine that, “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

May this year be a year of breaking new ground, and dreaming bigger dreams!