I love beginning a new year! A year full of possibility and purpose. It feels as though you have a fresh start, a new chance to accomplish great things. That is how we should look at each day, another chance to change the World for the better.
Too often we spend our lives looking behind at what could have been. We fret over dreams not accomplished and goals unattained. Instead of seeing each new day's possibilities, we see it as another day we haven't yet reached the goal. I speak to so many people who look at life this way. They are always mourning what is behind them, rather than rejoicing in the opportunity to accomplish something new. I have to admit that I used to be that way. Every day that I wasn't getting to do exactly what I thought I should be doing, I was so depressed. I would allow the aggravation to fill me so completely that I couldn't seem to find joy in anything. What a horrible way to live? No one should ever live that way. In the book of Philippians, we get a clear picture of what we should be focused on.
Philippians 4:4-8
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Lately, I more often get in trouble for being too happy. Is everything roses and sunshine all the time? Of course not, I live in the real World. However no matter what comes my way, I keep my eyes on Christ and live each day with joy in my heart. You don't make anything better by frowning and getting upset. Remember it takes a lot more muscles to frown than to smile. Take a deep breath, watch an insanely funny movie, or call up a friend and go do something silly. Trust me I have done my fair share of silly! I played in every public fountain in Springfield, MO during college (I wasn't alone), I took a big group of girls to try on prom dresses and put on a fashion show in the middle of the store (I have pictures), I started mailing silly gifts to family members (I have video of some of that, some of which is blackmail worthy!), I organized a scavenger hunt for a group of guys for valentine's day (That involved doing a Preparation H commercial on video in the middle of Walmart with a stranger...priceless video!), and on and on.
Life is too short and God is too Good! There really can't be anything so bad that tomorrow's sunshine can't erase it. So wake up each day to new possibilities and joy, keeping in mind what is says in Philippians, and continue to work toward your goals. With God's help, you will accomplish what God has called you to do.
Philippians 3: 12-14
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Happy New Year and God's Blessings!
