This is first week of the new year… What do you want to see happen in your life this year?
It starts today… Day one.
This last week we have heard countdowns from entertainers, politicians and news outlets – all about the best and the worst of each over the last year. As we all are consumed with what team will end up as the champion, or what movie or song held the box office’s title for the number one spot… this is so temporary, all to be re-ranked next year. (Genesis 3:19)
In review of the life events over the past year, we must celebrate the struggles of the past – to see the providence of God’s justice and grace. We are called to be joyful in the present, continually remembering what God has done for us in the past, all while looking ahead to some future, a purpose that will always deliver us from the problems of yesterday into the promise of today.
We seem so caught up in these temporal events – when we should not lose focus of the eternal. I understand how easy it is to forget things, (not that I’m trying) being older now it just gets easier. This New Year’s Eve we will all hear the term “Auld Lang Zine” from a Scottish poem, speaking of days gone by and how ethereal and temporary life truly is. We will celebrate this poem as an emblem of letting go of the past, awakening with a “new attitude” one representing a new beginning.
To begin anew though still requires stepping out to see where you have been, as to learn from situations…though looking back can inspire or enslave you, depending upon your perspective. If you are keeping score of the wrongs then you are enslaved… it can keep you from taking the next step, from fulfilling what you know you are to do, living in continual victimhood. Yet, keeping score of the wins, the provision, the mercy, the grace – the way proven where there was no way… you will be inspired and driven to even greater heights… always striving for what is ahead. (Philippians 3:13)
When I think of an example of not being discouraged, and staying the course, I am reminded of the women who went to the tomb of Jesus, with their spices and oils, fully expecting to find His remains. They had seen mankind at their best and worst – the very worst – and yet they did not let that stop them from their duties. These women were not going to prove the tomb was empty… they did not go believing in resurrection, but they were elated and overwhelmed by what they found… and empty tomb – a risen Savior! (Luke 24, Matthew 28, Mark 16, John 20)
We have to be bold enough to embrace stepping into our new day… Day one… expect new blessings, pray for all you meet, and seek a glorious “surprise” this year?
Day one of the rest of my life.
