Let’s make it the best one ever!
Many people are relieved to see the New Year finally arrive. They have it in their mind that 2020 was the year to end all years. Many of these feelings were cemented by the fact we had a global Covid 19 pandemic. I see 2020 in a whole different light. I became a great-grandmother in May to a beautiful sweet little girl name Maeve. What a blessing! My grandchildren are actively participating in church services dedicating their lives to God. What a blessing! My nine year old grandson suffered a serious head injury, which required hospitalization. He has made nearly a full recovery. What a blessing!
Today we begin the first of 2021, and to make this year a blessing there are certain things we need to do. The best way to start a new year is to let go of the past. Do not hold onto any kind of bitterness or with an unforgiving heart. I’m sure that during the past year someone has said or done something that has hurt you emotionally. It is time to let it go. This may require asking God to help you with that forgiveness. It may seem that you get some kind of power by holding anger and bitterness within you. Trust me, this is not the truth. Whether it be family, friends, or the political arena, any kind of hatred, bitterness or hurt feelings will not empower you in any way. It only puts another burden on your shoulders.
The best way to begin this New Year is by beginning a relationship with God, if one is not already established. Learning to hear from God and to be led by the Holy Spirit is an exciting adventure. God wants to hear from you and tell you what you need to know, but he cannot communicate with you if harbor bitterness and unforgiveness in your heart. The Bible says in Ephesians 4: 25-27+31-32 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. NIV
So, do yourself a favor and enter this New Year without any anger or bitterness. God has a remarkable year planed for you, but if your heart is full of ugly things, you cannot have a beautiful relationship with God.
As parents we talk to our children all the time, so why wouldn’t our heavenly Father speak to us? Can you imagine not telling your children what to do, and then be angry or disappointed when then don’t do what we expect? We often want to go our own way so we can do what we want to do, when we want to do it. But, just like our children, we need guidance to live the most blessed and productive lives we can possibly live on this earth. And God will tell us everything we need to know if we listen with an open unburdened heart. The answers are written in His Book the Bible, through which he speaks to us.
We as writers can help by tempering our own writings and personal opinions to uplifting and helpful comments. Pointing out the problems of the political climate, and the loose morals of this world does not uplift anyone. Let’s make 2021 a year of being a blessing to others.