I am looking out onto a black sky. Its 19.21 on the last day of 2010.

Instead of putting on my lippy, I am in my slippers… instead of uncorking some bubbly, I am about to put the kettle on. I shall go to bed when I feel tired – probably around 9pm. No New Year’s eve party for me…Perhaps when I have a baby that chooses to sleep through the night, I might feel a tad more perky and inclined to stay up into the small hours like a student on Red Bull? Or perhaps not. I am not one to do things because others do, or because others think I should. I like being quirky. As you have probably guessed.

Today I was standing in the queue at a local garden centre buying three pairs of wellies – one for each of our boys. I was minding my own business and dwelling on what hard work it is to be a Mummy to four small demanding yet undeniably sweet little people.

An elderly lady behind me commented on the boots and said, “You are so lucky! You must have had a magical Christmas with all your young children!” She had a wistful look in her eye that told me that small children were not in her world at all as often as she would like them to be. I smiled at her and squeezed her arm.

“Yes,” I said. “I am very blessed.”
(Internal memo to me… I AM VERY BLESSED INDEED)

I am.
As I bid farewell to this year, with all of its twists and turns, there are many things I can be thankful for.

I am so grateful that the God of THEN is the God of NOW and of what comes NEXT. I hold His hand with all my might as I jump (well more like slide) my way into next year.

Happy New Year to you, wherever and however this finds you.
God is with you. Even if you don’t know it yet.

Ems