The Gift of 365 New Days

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start now and make a brand new ending.” Carl Bard Happy New Year everyone! I have been thoroughly enjoying my time off and am very excited about what 2015 has in store. The gift of a new year has arrived. The concept of a brand new year on the horizon and the “clean slate” feeling of a fresh start has always been something I find very refreshing. As the old year has passed and 2015 is already in full swing, it becomes a time of focused reflection on the highs and lows of the past 365 days. This year I have definitely had more highs than lows and for that I am truly grateful. Many I know do not have the same experience with 2014 and I am sensitive to that fact. As I review the past year in my own mind, I am very thankful for the accomplishments that I have made, and the people and opportunities God has brought into my life. Among my reflections is the publishing of my first book, Magic Kisses which is by God’s grace blessing others. Through the book sales we were able to purchase seven bed kits for impoverished children via the organization Sleeping Children around the World which means that seven children have a chance to sleep in comfort like they never did before. I also have been working on health and fitness goals like regular exercising and heathier eating which I have implemented. As a result I am feeling healthier and have had a pleasant bonus of some needed weight loss. Also I have really enjoyed writing this blog and am very excited about the direction it is headed, which I will share in greater detail at a later date. My family has experienced God’s blessing and favour this year that is certain and I am very humbled and grateful.

It is true I have been fortunate to have had a very exciting and blessed year that I can look back on with fond memories. Some years in the past have been much more difficult for me and my family. As mentioned many of my friends have had a very challenging, and sad year in 2014. Some have battled serious illnesses, or have lost loved ones. Some have experienced great financial struggles, encountered difficult family issues, experienced unemployment, or just felt that life has been one heartache after another. Understandably so these people are very grateful to kiss 2014 goodbye, saying “good riddance” in hopes of a better year and overall life in general.

Whatever type of year you have had I want you to know that it is never too late for a fresh start or new perspective on life. People change their lives every day, and what a great time to start at the beginning of a brand new year. Change begins one step at a time, but even little changes can have very positive results over time.
I remember as a child we were allowed to sing hymns at school. One of my favourites was a song entitled “My God and I.” Like yesterday I can still hear my sweet teacher singing the alto in my ear helping me get the harmony part. It is a golden oldie, but the words spoke to me even as a child that as long as God was by my side, I would be alright. A line that especially spoke to me was the line that stated “My God and I will go for aye together. We’ll walk and talk as good friends should and do. This earth will pass, and with it common trifles, but God and I will go unendingly.” When we think of the year 2015 ahead, none of us honestly know what we will encounter. We may reflect back in twelve months that it was amazing or amazingly heartbreaking. Nothing is certain, except that if we have God travelling with us on this 365 day journey, we are never alone and He will provide us with the strength to face whatever comes our way. Today in church we sang the old hymn Blessed Assurance. The lyrics say “This is my story. This is my song, praising my Saviour all the day long.” We are to praise and honour God through the good and bad times. When I reflect on “my story,” year after year I know that God has been by my side through it all ordering my steps and providing me with grace to make it through the most difficult and wonderful moments of my life.

People carry a lot of regrets, burdens, issues and deep hurts with them from year to year. These heavy problems do not magically disappear as the calendar turns to a new year, yet with a decision to include God on our journey we will truly notice a difference in our lives. One of my new year’s resolutions is to start a daily journal which includes favourite Bible verses and things that I am thankful for. I feel it is important to always be mindful of all that we have and feel this is a great way to start.

So my friend, what is your “2014 story?” I would love to hear about it a [email protected], and pray with you that 2015 will be a great and better year for you. Know that you are a wonderful, capable, and precious human being who deserves a life full of purpose and joy. That is what I truly wish for you! Remember that on a car the rear view mirror is small but the windshield is large. There is a reason for that as we need to stop looking behind us but press on forward to better, more promising days ahead! Remember that.

Happy New Year!

Until next time ~

Dana

2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold the new has come.

Little Lesson Learned: Your 2015 story is waiting to be written. It is exciting to think what is coming your way.

Copyright: littlelessonslearnedbydana, 2015