Happy New Year to each of you!

Over the new year I was talking with someone about the new year and New Year’s resolutions. We both agreed that we were not going to do one because most of the ones that we have done, and that people do in general, have a 90% failure rating.

She then told me that she read something that was a new twist on the New Year’s resolution idea. She said that instead of trying to pick up, learn, or do something new in the coming year that you should reflect on your past year.

So, our conversation then began to reflect on the past year and the idea of looking back and seeing all the ways that God was involved in our life the last year. We both really enjoyed that idea. The reason I really enjoyed that way of looking backward is because we may not always notice in the moment (or moments throughout an entire year) how God was active in that event, crisis, time, but if we reflect, we will have a greater chance to see it.

The other part I really appreciated about it was that there is also the opportunity to see the ways in which God continued to act throughout your life, and how God was working in and through you and others. So, not only are you seeing individual moments of God’s presence, but you are also seeing a continual stream of God’s presence in your life. The more we recognize God in our lives the greater opportunity there is to continue to see and experience God in the everyday.

I am getting excited about this idea just writing about it to each of you.

I know I said that I’m not going to do a New Year’s resolution, but perhaps looking back every so often and seeing and remembering how God was a part of my life through those moments is a new thing that I will be doing this year. At least more intentionally than I have before. Perhaps this is something that will also be helpful for you, which is why I’m sharing it with you today.

Look for the ways that God is alive and active in your life. Whether it is through a storm, a blessing, or even just a regular day of your life I bet if you look and reflect you will see God there with you. Then you can share with others how God is in your life: before you, beside you, and behind you every step of the way.

Blessings,

Pastor Brian