New Years was something I have never expierenced. As I walked through the streets of Cologne looking for my car, I was a bit shocked at all the comotion going on around me. There were people everywhere, lighting fire works, and cheering in the streets. It was total chaos. There was so much smoke in the air from all the fireworks I could barely see down the next block. As we made our way to the car, we were pelted with the sticks from the bottle rockets falling from the sky. I am not talking about the little bottle rockets, but the big ones you could get into trouble for owning. Along with the chos of gun powder and lights, the streets were swarming with people half drunk (or totally drunk) from partying. I am not sure if they were celebrating the new year, or just trying to forget the last one. Back in Düsseldorf Kristen was watching in awe at a similar scene outside our apartment. She took some shots of the people outside, but they did not turn out as good as we hoped. It was a good insight for us to see everyone out celebrating a year gone by, and yet what did they have to look forward to. As I walked down to the river the next day, the streets were empty, and cluttered by all fireworks and bottles from the night before. After all is said and done, the feeling of loneliness returns, and people are left with another year without direction or hope. As I walked along one vacant street after another, I began to feel the weight of hopelessness. Not for myself, but for those who live without real hope. It is a weight that can only be lifted by the love of Christ. Making my way to the down town, more people began to come out to enjoy the sunshine. No one was smiling, no one was talking, or wishing each other a happy New Year. Everything was back to normal, and life continued. Solomon was right. Life without God is so meaningless.
Not to that I am here to rain on anyones parade. I have hear a great pictures of Mike and me playing together in Mettmann. We played for a youth group there throwing a party. A birthday party for Jesus. It was a great time of worship and fellowship. Plus it was so much fun to play with Mike again.
