New

This is a start of a new hour, a new day, a new month and a new year. It’s the start of chasing the treadmill of healthy resolutions, flipping open the dusty book on your bookcase, or dropping pennies into the piggy bank of credit card debt. It’s a fresh new start. Just like every morning, God’s mercies are new.

I have seen many people wave goodbye to 2018 with a good riddance smile. But it saddens me to think that so many people would wish that 2018 never happened. As if they are like Job praying to God that 2018 never existed. 2018 could have been a year of great tragedies, but 2018 shouldn’t be discounted.

I have to believe that God can use all things, all circumstances, all incidents – even tragedies. I have to cling to the promise that even when it doesn’t make sense to me, it doesn’t mean it’s useless. I have to reside in the shelter of hope, knowing that the storms will eventually pass. My hope and optimism doesn’t belittle the battle wounds from the past. These scarring tattoos are just reminders that we survived. That we endured the rugged terrains. That we out ran life’s avalanche. That we stood the test through our souls forest fires and flood waters. Yes, we should not wish to forget. Those moments are what made us who we are today. They should make us stronger, smarter, harder, more flexible, more determined, and more driven.

2018 should not be discounted, but actually appreciated. May we each realize the gift we each have. A new chance. Not to redo 2018. No, a chance to dream new dreams. An opportunity to hope new hopes. An occasion to live a life worth living.

May we see 2019 not as a new beginning, but as a continuation. What happened last year will affect what happens this year. Without moments of defeat, we would not have aspirations of doing better. May we use the flames that burned us in 2018, ignite a passion that will cause others to see the light. You may wonder why you had to walk through the wildness in 2018, but what if your journey made a trail for others to follow? What if your tiring expedition unknowingly starts a pilgrimage to the promised land? Would you still wish 2018 never happened even if it helps one other person?

We may not see the entire tapestry, but each stroke of “pain”t has a purpose in His beautiful grace filled landscape. It’s sad. We are each a walking masterpiece yet we often look past ourselves for images of grandeur yet our reflections are the reflections of the One who made each of us.

So, here’s to the memories of 2018. May they spur us to greater things in 2019.