Be The Fruit

Reflections from 2007

by Bill Blair on 06/01/08 at 11:04 pm

I am about a week into 2008, so I have had a little time to reflect on the whole of 2007.  I thought about doing this last week, but it seems like we should finish the whole year until we reflect on it.  Hey, you never know when New Year’s Eve might make or break your year.  New Year’s Eve always caps my year off beautifully because it is my wedding anniversary.  This year we did something we don’t ever do.  We went to dinner and a movie…without any children!!!

On to the reflections.  As I reflect back on 2007 I stand amazed at how much my life has changed.  The biggest change was me discovering my calling and direction in life.  As most of you know, I am now a student at Southern Seminary.  I can truly say that I had absolutely no idea, goal, or interest in going to seminary one year ago.  Nada, nothing, none.  I am sure I would have laughed if would told me I should go to seminary.  In fact, I think I did laugh the first time it was suggested to me.  It took about six months of prayer, thought, talking to people, and lots and lots of journaling to discover what direction God wanted me to go.  I figured it out about two weeks before the application deadline for the fall session so I went for it.  I did not completely know what I was doing at the time, but here I am with 9 credits under my belt and ready for more!

I am also amazed at the changes in my wife, Jennifer, particularly the growth in her knowledge of theology.  A year ago, she was a fan of Joel Osteen, but now she will tell anyone who listens how messed up his beliefs are.  Ask her about Joel and the good parking places God gives him because of his ”faith.”  She is also becoming good at coming with great lines that explain doctrine.  We were discussing ”the problem of evil” and she came up with a great line.  She said, “His good and our good are not the same the thing.”  Ask her about that one too.  Then, if you are brave ask her what her opinion is on whether it is right or wrong to drink wine. 

There were many other great things that happened in 2007, but they are too numerous to count.  We truly have been blessed.

 One final note:  Jennifer and I were talking on New Year’s Eve about 2007 and we talked about how different it is to end the year growing and walking with the Lord.  She said, “I used to look forward for years to end.”  Every year seemed bad, so she wanted the year and the misery of it to be over as soon as possible.  Her hope was in the new year.  This year was not that way for her and it was not that way for me either.  We had a good year, but I think it really is that we don’t have our hope in a new year, but we have our hope in Jesus.  We are living, walking, and growing in Him, which is all the hope we need.