New Beginnings

There comes a time when all of us wish we could have a do-over.  Especially if the past year has been filled with memories and emotions you hoped wouldn’t follow you into this one.

But some of us may have experienced the best year ever – anyone?

For most of us, there are things we wish would have turned out differently. And what do we do when life throws a curve and rearranges our carefully planned calendar?  We can move forward with fresh perspective and strength on the sacred heels of celebrating the birth of Jesus, the only One who makes all things new.  He came to make a change.

Somehow our annual resolution-list of lofty expectations makes it almost impossible to get to the second day of January and only leads to frustration.  Goals are good, but if we simply make a daily decision to lean on the grace sufficient for the day, we won’t feel like we failed the slavish performance to lose weight, eat less, and pray more.

I’m hopeful I can do some honest reflection (and you, also) to think of 2017 and what we wish we would’ve done differently.  Our life is worth examining and more than just spinning in a rut. If you’re weary from starting over to do it again and again and desire that the new doesn’t remain the same, then we must continually turn to the only One who can make a transforming difference. We’ll have assurance that the past 365 was a divine collection of experiences written into our story to bring us to the next chapter.

Our God was aware that we all needed new beginnings.  He granted it through Jesus. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away.  Behold the new has come.  2 Corinthians 5:17

 And may He crown your year with goodness and have your paths drip with abundance. Psalm 65:11

Wishing you a special year of growth . . .