Joel 2:25 And I will restore to you the years which the locust, and the bruchus, and the mildew, and the palmerworm hath eaten; my great host which I sent upon you. (DRB)

It seems kind of hard for me to believe that it is 2019 already.  Actually, it seems hard for me to believe that it is already 1982… Time has flown by.  There have been so many tangible things that have been lost; roads not taken; promises left unfulfilled.  There have been so many dreams that have slipped away; so many words left unspoken; so many battles not fought; so many hopes that have been dashed; so many plans undone; so many apologies never made; friendships that seemed to have slipped away; so much time that has been lost.  That is not to say that there has not been a trove of wondrous and awe inspiring people and events that have happened to come my way through the years.  Yet, so often I have not reached the fullness that seemed within my grasp nor have I given my very best in so many areas.

While it seems I can never regain those lost opportunities and times, I must take solace in this scripture.  The Lord says that He will restore the years that have been lost.  Perhaps this year I will move forward. Perhaps this is the year that I can press toward the mark of the prize.  Perhaps this is the year a fire will burn within me.  Perhaps this is the year that these dry bones will come alive.  My prayer for this New Year: for myself, my family and friends, and all that read this post; I pray the restoration of the Almighty in our lives, our situations, circumstances, and in our life’s purpose.