Happy New Year

These lines are from "The Gate of the Year," a poem written in 1908 by Minnie Louise Haskins:

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year
"Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown."
And he replied, "Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!"

 

New Years Eve was a lonely night for me, for many years.  When you are single, it seems magnified that "everyone" has someone special on that night - though many of those relationships are hollow shells. 

 

It's a time when we feel compelled to make changes for the future, but often fail to celebrate our successes or embrace contentment.  We need to balance our pursuits of self-improvement, with the peace of knowing we have intrinsic worth.  Lest we fall into the "disease of more" (https://getpocket.com/explore/item/the-disease-of-more)

 

This is the time to heed the call of Christ:

"Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads. I will give you rest. Accept my work and learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will find rest for your souls. The work that I ask you to accept is easy. The load I give you to carry is not heavy." (Matt. 11:28-30)

 

There is no amount of money, no level of popularity, no pinnacle of professional success, no number of adoring children, no accolades and trophies, that can fill the desire to be significant.  Just look at all those who have reached their personal summit only to be disappointed and look around searching for what they still lack.

 

BUT, God.  He tells us we are loved, individually created, with intention, care, forethought, and purpose.  God invites us to know Him, and in turn be fully known, without fear of rejection.  We don't need to hide from God - we can't.  And even knowing all that you have done, thought, or said, and even knowing all that you will do, He invites you to be loved, be redeemed.