Water Break by Dan Jackson
My sophomore year of college was not the most financially prosperous time for myself or my friends.  That’s what led us to our first annual “cheapo spring breako.”  Since gas was still inexpensive, the options were endless.  After many discussions and throwing darts at a map, we decided to take a hiking expedition to Guadalupe Mountains National Park near El Paso Texas.
Upon arrival, we set up our campsite at the bottom of the hiking trail.  After a nights rest and a skimpy breakfast of donuts and water, we headed up the side of the large plateau.  The climb was quite exhausting because not only was it nearly vertical in a few places, but we were also carrying all our camping gear and food and water for the next three days.  Early on in the hike, we developed a pattern of stopping about every half hour in order to rest our muscles and rehydrate.  Between sips of water, we would look down the path we had just traveled and determine how far we had come since our last pit stop.  Because we didn’t waste much energy talking during the hike, these water breaks also gave us an opportunity to catch up on what we had just experienced.  We would point out some of the difficult parts of the trail and share the story of how we got through them with a certain hand grip, or foothold.  We would also share about how nice the easy parts were as well as the parts that were filled with various kinds of plants and wild life.  After we had consumed enough water, we would then pick up our packs and continue on to the next water stop.
When I compare yesterday to today, I find it very difficult to see how God is growing me or those around me.  I often wonder, “Am I growing at all in my faith?” “Is God doing anything in this ministry, or in this relationship?” Just like with an apple tree, it is very hard to see fruit bearing when you look every day, that’s why New Years is a great time to sit down and take a water break with Jesus.  With Him, you can look at the path you had just traveled together over the past year.  Recall the difficult parts of the journey and remember how God got you through them.  Survey the path and see how far the Holy Spirit has brought you since last January.  Reminisce about the wonderful times that were blessed with awesome gifts of God’s grace.
When we look back and recall what God has done and given to us, we are validating the promise that Paul gives to us in Philippians 1:6, which tells us that God, “who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”  As you celebrate the coming of 2009, take a break, and remember God’s faithfulness and work in 2008.