2021 Sunset: Happy New Year?

The sun is about to set on 2021. Some of us will say "Good riddance!" Others will be looking forward to 2022 as a chance for new beginnings.

As I drove home yesterday afternoon, I was captivated by the sunset near Chimney Rock. Way back in the mid-1800s, travelers were excited to finally see its spire stretching toward the sky, signaling that they were on the right trail, and well on their way to Oregon.

Just as those long-ago pioneers faced unknown challenges on their long, often treacherous trip, we, too, look ahead to the New Year with a little uneasiness, even trepidation, and perhaps a little anticipation as we wait to see just what God has planned.

As I savored the beautiful sunset, I was reminded that the sun will come up again, just as it has since the beginning of creation, until that day when God determines that the world will come to an end. But even then, he will be with us.

Chimney Rock no longer guides wagon trains on their way to the pioneers' new homes, but last evening, it pointed straight to heaven, as it always does, reminding me, and anyone else who stops to notice, that our gracious God will guide us every step of the way into 2022.

Happy New Year!



The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; 
He will be with you. 
He will not fail you or forsake you. 
Do not fear or be dismayed.

Deuteronomy 31:8


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