Christmas, New Westminster

So what if it is January 3 and it has taken me this long to write anything about the new year. Aside from a New Years Eve party that continued until 2am, it feels like the new year has entered with more of a fizzle than a pop; it seems no different than last week.

If anything, I’m more stressed than I was last week.

The next course starts tomorrow and I’ve already been doing readings in preparation for it. Gone are the days when I bought the text book a week or two into the course and read it the day before the final exam. I seem to be working more this week than I have in previous weeks and I have meetings. With the busy advent season over (does anyone else find it ironic that our two church seasons of slowing down and contemplation – advent and lent – seem to the be the busiest time in the church calendar?) meetings that were put on hold are starting up once again. Now is when I discover just how busy I will be with various committees and commitments.

Is it more helpful to look ahead or to dwell in the moment? Some would remind that looking ahead prepares one for what is to come. It can also cause undue anxiety. Others suggest that to dwell in the moment and live each day for what it offers without looking too far ahead (consider the lilies of the field…?) is the supreme way to live ones life. I find that a good balance of the two works well… usually…

What, then, am I looking forward to this year?

• By this time next year, I will be more than two-thirds of the way through my degree (I think, if I’ve calculated it correctly).
• My cousin is getting married in the spring. I get to go to Montreal.
• Ten year high school reunion (holy cow!).
• Work, work, work.
• Hosting a conference with Brian McLaren and Steve Bell
• A possible road trip around BC and Alberta.
• Sailing.
• Visiting our Anglican friends in Burma.
• Having a full summer in Victoria for the first time in… ever?
• Spending time with family and friends.