Beginning a new year
We have a tradition at our house on New Year’s Eve to have some snacks and later on fruit slushies followed by a picture of the three of us taken with the self-timer on our camera. As I look at the picture we took last New Year’s Eve, I notice the three smiling faces, three happy faces that had no idea what the next day and month would hold for us. Three faces that had no clue that in less than 24 hours my Meemaw would no longer be with us. Three faces that were unaware that we’d face even more grief a few weeks later with the loss of my husband’s Grandpa. Three faces that could not begin to imagine that we would be rejoicing together at the news we were expecting another child followed by the pain of a miscarriage a few weeks later.
Looking at this picture will always be a reminder to me of how quickly things can change. We were not anticipating any of those losses when we took the picture December 31, 2012.
As we begin a new year I am reminded to live purposefully each day.
I am reminded that my focus needs to be on God and Heaven, not on things of the earth. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1, 2
I am reminded that I need to love the people in my life because I do not know how long they will be here with us. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:7, 8
We do not know how our lives will change in the coming 365 days. There will be both joy and sorrow for all of us. “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Proverbs 27:1
Today I urge you as we start fresh with 2014 to make the most of the time you have. “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14
Happy 2014!
Have a day of blessings!
Beautiful post,Bethany. Thanks for these reminders! The close of a year and the start of another always has sadness and joy. Have a great day!
So true, Bethany. We do not know what is around the corner or how our year will go. We can make the best of each day and truly live it intentionally. Thank you for the reminder of that fact.