It's a new year!!

2012 is here and with it come new things to see and do. New things to experience and new friends to meet.
After our decision to move from our acreage that had been home for 7 years, I felt a bit of sadness, but only for a really short time. It was almost Thanksgiving. Who can be sad when you are supposed to find gratitude in your heart? Then came Christmas! The season of celebrations for Christians. Even those that don't recognize Jesus birthday still find it a time of parties and gifts.
Well now those days are behind me and it is time to make a plan for what is going to be my future here in our new home, in a different town, surrounded by mostly strangers, and a "few" family members.
Part of me still clings to our old familiar group of "FRamily" as we call them. We will go the 20 miles to worship at our old church.
This week I have an appointment with my old doctor, even if she is much younger than I. By old I mean she has been my doctor for over 25 years at least.
And our dearest old friends continue to arrange a dinner date when we find a night that works.
My daughter and family are not 2 miles away anymore like they have been for 15 years.
All changes that are taking an adjustment.It is time to move on now that the new year is upon me.
I remember when I was working with my daughters at Girl Scouts. We taught them a song that was something like this..."Make new friends, BUT keep the old. One is silver and the other Gold"
There will never be a church family like the one we have grown used to. Some of them have known me since I was born.
And my doctor has seen me through life and death issues literally. She was there and will continue to be there knowing me physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
My friends are only a phone call or email away. In this day and age 20 miles is only 30 minutes away.
And with my daughter and our loved ones, we know it takes more effort, but the trade off is that now my son and his family are only 10 blocks away.
Children grow up and move away from their parents. But they are always ours and will be ready for a visit when we make a call.
Friends have family of their own that take time. But along with that is the need to share struggles we have as parents and grandparents at this stage of our lives.
Churches offer Bible studies that will welcome me even if I am not a member of their congregation.
And most of all as I said before.... I might have moved away from familiar surroundings, but Jesus has never moved away and His words are still a comfort to me everyday. I look with anticipation at the months ahead of me.
Will I find my place volunteering at the local nursing home?
Will the faces at the grocery store become people with names?
Will my neighbors become real friends to add to my list of special relationships?
Will Jesus lead me to a group of women that hunger for more of Him through a study?
What will 2012 bring?