Since there is no "year zero," a new decade begins on our calendar with years ending in "1". Hence, a new decade is upon us. The outgoing decade was certainly memorable, full of joyous events and crushing defeats -- the sort of stuff that makes us who we are.
In June of 2001, GCA occupied the building where we are still meeting. Our 10 year anniversary is only six months away. In August of 2001 I underwent a surgery to remove a growth from my duodenum, resulting in life-threatening pancreatitis and a week in the surgical ICU hovering between this world and the next. And, of course, in September of 2001 planes hit buildings in New York, shifting our entire national consciousness. Then ten years flew by.
Last year, as 2010 was beginning, I wrote a blog article called "What I Don't Want For 2010." It turns out that the attitude I described in that article resulted in some unexpected, welcome results. While I haven't yet "arrived," I can say that I have attained some portion of the most elusive of all human conditions: contentment.
Sitting here at 55, after a rather tumultuous few months, culminating in a cycle of pain, doctors, medications, physically debilitating procedures, and the lasting effects of that combination of events, I can honestly tell you that last night, New Year's Eve, I sat quietly in the dark, accompanied by Celia, my constant companion, listening to my favorite music. She purred. I swayed gently to the rhythm. We were occasionally interrupted by the distant sound of fireworks in the spattering rain.
I was content.
When I finally headed for the bed, Celia curled up at my feet, and I laid in the dark praying, as is my custom. And I was grateful. Another ten years and I have yet to miss a meal, sleep on the street, or suffer without access to medical help. Another ten years and my children are suddenly young adults, increasingly independent, my favorite people on the planet. Another ten years and I hardly recognize myself in the mirror. In my head, I'm still in my 20's. In my mirror, I'm an old man who lost his hipness 30 years ago. Another ten years and I'm closer to home than I've ever been. And I'm looking forward to going.
Contentment. That's the key to life. James Taylor once wrote, "The secret of life is enjoying the passing of time." I think he was on to something. But, I prefer what the apostle Paul wrote. He said, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." (1Tim. 6:6-8)
It's tough to not want what you don't have. But, today I have food and today I have clothes. And if I never achieve the riches of this world, I have the promise of a great reward in the next. So, I am indeed content. After all, considering how quickly the last ten years raced by, the remaining years will go even quicker. I am looking ever-forward. I am redeeming every current moment. And I am resting in the knowledge that the One who has tomorrow in His hands also has eternity at His beck and call. As long as He is on His throne, doing whatsoever pleases Him, I am secure.
And I am content.
I could wish nothing greater for you and yours.
Happy New Decade!
