Well, we have made it another day. My black lab Dexter fails to see the greatness of staying up past midnight, messing up his walking schedule and having to listen to these random explosions in the sky. For the most part, I would have to agree with him. Except for the part about the fireworks. I like to see a good display of fireworks, whether its the 4th of July or New Years or even on Christmas. It’s nice to have a few bright lights light the sky.
Happy New Year!!
So as the light dawn on a new year near San Antonio Texas. Even after the nights events, for us this means Steak on the grill, roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, cheesecake for desert, and then games until we either feel the need to give up and go to bed or say “Happy New Year” about 5 minutes late because no one was watching the clock and we hear the fireworks going off.
As we look upon the year 2019 we can all sit back and think about all the things that have gone right for us. All the beautiful things we have been a part of and all the relationships that have gone right and we cherish the most. That is what we should be doing but that’s not the reality of what we do is it? No, we sit back and think about all the things that went wrong. All the things that did not go the way we wanted them to or all the things that others did or did not do to help us get what we want when we want it, and how we want it, don’t we? What are some of the regrets that you have when you look back at 2018 or 2017? What are you going to do with what God has given you?
Ok, now that you’re done with that little fun exercise let’s take a look at what is ahead of us. In the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes the King of Israel, King Soloman, starts off his letter this way “Meaningless! Meaningless!”says the Teacher.“Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again. All things are wearisome, more than one can say.” Ecc 1:2-8
Is that how you look at 2019? With all the warmth and closeness that cactus or a fresh hairball from the cat can offer? (just, one more reason not to have a cat) Even with all the things that can go wrong you have a choice. You can continue to look backward and see what could have and what should have been or you can turn around and look out front to see the path God has for you and take each new day as it comes. I think that one of the best things we can do on this new years day is to have a funeral. WHAT…. you say a funeral? Yes, a funeral. Let’s put away what we wish would have or could have happened in the past. Put away the death of a dream that is never going to happen and you still won’t let go of. You can’t change what happened in the past but you can take steps to change how you’ve made decisions in the past to have a better outcome in the future. Nothing is guaranteed but we can sure make better choices. Like everyone says, you can’t predict your health but you can predict poor life quality if all you eat is donuts, bacon, steak, and coffee. (that life may be short but it does sound pretty good) You can’t be sure what the markets will do in the future but you can guarantee yourself a life of misery if you don’t save any money for the future and spend less than you make. The same thing applies to your dreams. You can give yourself a chance at a better outcome if you will be willing to look toward your purpose and giftedness that God has given you.
I will leave you with this. ‘This is what the ancients were commended for. Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ‘ Hebrews 11:1-2
If you will choose to seek what God want’s for you to have you will find a life that is filled with Joy. Look to my last post to see what is said about happiness and joy. https://ethos4life.com/2018/12/20/happiness-and-joy/ Look toward what changes you can make in the new year, resolutions if you must, but if you get tripped up don’t be afraid to get up, wipe the blood off your knees and keep taking that next step. Whatever it may be and know this. I am praying for you – I pray over the people that read this even though I don’t know who you may be. So go ahead and let me know who you are and what I can be praying for you and I will.
Happy New Year! and God bless your 2019
Bryan
ETHOS 4 LIFE 