Hopeful in 2012

“There is always hope,” is something I like to say especially when it has to do with my Washington State University Cougars football team and their ability to play from behind.  Other hopeful sayings I have often said are, “Hope I do/did well on my test today.”  “I sure hope it doesn’t snow when I go to work in Grangeville,” “I hope my kids are safe.” I could mention many more. I have given a lot of thought to what I am going to be hopeful in the New Year of 2012.  Here are five of them in reverse order.

5.  I will be hopeful that the economy will be better in 2012 than it has been for the past five or six years.  Its tough to be out and about doing my job and seeing the discouragement on the faces of people as they shop.  It’s tough to read the newspaper or read on the internet about job closures, interest rates going up, and price gouging.  So here’s to a better economy in 2012.

4.  I am hopeful that my family will have a healthy year in 2012.  With the rising costs of medical services, being healthy will be financially beneficial.  I pray all of you will be healthy in 2012.  I am finishing 2012 having lost 11 pounds, so far. I plan on staying on the diet plan for as long as I can lose weight.  I know that my son gets braces the day after he turns 12, but after that, I simply hope we are all doing well health-wise. 

3.  I am hopeful that people will be kinder in 2012. I am making kindness my mantra.  I have grown tired of unkind attitudes.  I want us to do more than “just get along.” I want to see people taking care of other people, regardless of our faith, or lack thereof.  Treating others the way I want to be treated is something I’ve been teaching my children for several years. I want to see it taking place in and out of my household.

2. I am hopeful that many others will become followers of Christ.  As a life-long follower of Christ, I want to see more friends and family come to a relationship with Jesus Christ.  The past two years hve been a wonderful testimony of hearing about some old friends, classmates, and others who have come to the Lord. It’s refreshing to hear about and wonderful to encourage others to find faith and hope in Jesus Christ.

1.  I am hopeful that this could be the year of the return of Christ.  No one knows the day or hour, not even the Mayans, the preacher sitting behind his desk, the man yelling from the street corner, or the religious magazine editor. We do know that the Bible say’s Christ will return.  May He find us faithful. 

My prayer for all of you is that we find time to develop relationships with those around us. We aren’t here by accident.  We don’t wander through life aimlessly. Rather, we are here on purpose and with a purpose.  To all my friends and family, and those who I do not know but somehow you’ve found yourself reading this, May God be with you and may 2012 be an outstanding year for you and yours.