The afterglow of the holiday season might have let you a little down in the dumps. January starts out with the bang of fireworks, resolutions to do better and then what? The month lacks celebrations, mostly because it’s too cold to do anything but snuggle under a thick quilt and drink hot chocolate. It also happens to be Monday. The first day of the workweek, which doesn’t really allow for such a luxury. It seems like every other month is filled with something to celebrate. January suddenly breaks the thread.

Every day can be a fresh start if we put our minds to it. It’s like writing a new page in the journal of your life or turning that page and filling it with something different. We are currently enjoying some pretty decent temperatures here in Lake Woebegone. A January thaw is a welcome relief, so take advantage of these warmer days to get out of the house and move. This month is often designated as a huge do-over month, because we have so much time on our hands to think about it. On the other hand, who wants to think about doing something over when we can do something different.

Having just recovered from a long bout of pneumonia, I am eager to get back to living. That includes starting a project. I have a bunch of possible options. I could finish the novel I’ve been working on for over ten years. I could start writing a series of mysteries (like Agatha Christie,) I could get out my paints and start a masterpiece. I might bake something special and then eat the whole thing. Perhaps I could tackle a walk outside. Well, I may not do that this week, but I can look forward to it in the next few months.

My point today is that we look at each day – each hour and minute – as an opportunity to do something that will make a difference in our own lives or those of others. Now if you’ll excuse me, my quilt and hot chocolate await.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY. HELP ME TO FOLLOW YOUR LEAD THROUGH OUT THE COMING WEEK.