We’re coming to the end of another year and its easy for us to wish to clean the slate and start over. As we get older in years, it becomes harder and harder to set new goals and follow unfulfilled dreams. Even though our goal setting days may be coming to an end, we should still be planning for our next step – our next hour – even the many years yet to come. We don’t know how much time has been alloted us, so we would be wise to take each day as it comes, with a plan of action.
As we look back on the year which has just passed, we’re reminded of many of the bad things that occurred during that time. A continuation of a plague that seems endless – adjusting to a new president and his cabinet – dealing with financial difficulties – medical issues – limits being placed on us both mentally and physically – all tend to put us in a negative place. It’s hard to look forward to more of the same. Instead of focusing on all the bad that occurred, start to place your thoughts on the good things that resulted in 2021. Because of isolation, new ways of communicating, working, being entertained, worshipping, learning, all becoming accessible by new means. Humor surfaced in many creative ways as people used this time to search for ways to laugh and enjoy life. We are an adaptable species and we seem to thrive during the storms of life – especially if we allow God to control those storms. Many times in history which were thought to be the darkest of days, created some of the greatest literature, art, music, and critical thinking. Exploration of new horizons led to discovery of new worlds. In God’s world, everything serves a purpose.
Whether you are a child or a senior adult, there is plenty of time to dream dreams – to look forward – to set goals – to find satisfaction in your waking hours. God has already mapped out every life. He knows what will be happening to each of us today, tomorrow and twenty years from now. That, in itself should give us confidence to face a new year with great anticipation. God also wants us to have a hand in the direction of our lives so He allows us to set those goals and look at our future with hope and joy. God has promised that all things are possible through Him.
Look ahead, but learn from the past. Leave behind the mistakes and create solutions for them. Let go of past sins, because they’ve already been forgiven. Look at each new day as an opportunity – a time of grace, granted for you to share God’s love with others.
“ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
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And here I am making my 2022 goals when I received the notification to this blog. Talk about great timing. 😚😚😚
“Look ahead, but learn from the past. Leave behind the mistakes and create solutions for them. Let go of past sins, because they’ve already been forgiven. Look at each new day as an opportunity – a time of grace, granted for you to share God’s love with others.”
Thank you for this.
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You are very welcome. May God bless your new year and help you achieve all your goals.
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Kathy, what an inspiring post! I love how you look at life; through all circumstances, good or bad, you always choose to fall flat on faith (I “pegged” that term when I began blogging as I indeed fell flat on my faith many times!). You have such a positive outlook. And it’s not easy to have. I’ve taken a bit of a break, off and on, as I prepare for the new year. I’m going to go see my youngest son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, Whitley of Washington, on January 15th. I’m using this month as a time to set new goals and reflect on all of the things you mentioned above. My Dad is awaiting a crucial test; and now, so am I. When things start to seem overwhelming I remember WHOSE hands I’m in. And I know HE holds tomorrow and I know HE holds my hand. I believe through Covid and the ups and downs of society many have found faith they didn’t know before! May we all remember the positive things that can occur. Your picture and quote from C.S. Lewis is one of my favorites. We know we’re passing through; we know this is just a journey to our eternal home. I love you sweet lady and if I’m “hit and miss” on here you understand why. Prayers and blessings, always! Karla
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I feel so blessed to have connected with you this past year for so many reasons. You are a survivor as well as an over comer and I learn from your posts as well as your kind comments. This has been quite a year for many of us, but faith in our trustworthy God will sustain us through anything. I will pray for you and your dad and rejoice that you’ll have some good family time in the next year. Paul turns 80 in February and will probably retire from teaching art and maybe make a living selling his art. This may require some road trips and finding gallery representation. I’ll probably continue performing with my 55+ troupe for seniors and assisted living places until I can’t anymore. God is so good and He has great things planned for all of our futures.
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I feel the exact same way about you, Kathy. Thank you for your kind words, support, and love that I feel down here in Missouri. Kathy, my Dad turns 80 on February 6th! To hear you say Paul will “retire” at 80 makes me feel like a slug! LOL! I’m so proud of him and YOU for continuing all you’re doing. Staying active is what I believe helps create longevity; or so I’ve been taught. 🙂 God is so good indeed! I want to be just like you when I’m your age!
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I love you Karla ❤️
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I love you, Kathy ❤️
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thank you Kathy
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While I feel like my life is in a better place than a year ago, I feel the need to nail “perseverance” at the top of my 2022 list.
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Good choice. I have the same issue. As I grow older it seems to be harder to press on like I did when I was a young woman. God will guide both of us in that area I’m sure.
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Amen!
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Thank you, Kathy. I praise Him for you and your gift of sharing the kingdom and fellowship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with your readers. I pray for His continued presence with you to share with us in the new year of our Lord. Love and blessings.
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Thank you so much for those beautiful words of encouragement. There are many times when I need to heed what I’m telling others far more than they do. I trust that God is in control of that too. Keep pursuing your love for God in your writings and May He continue to bless your work. Happy new year❤️
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