It all started in 1986. I distinctly remember longing for the New Year, yet when 1987 came along I was surprised to find myself a lot more apprehensive than hopeful. At that young age, I began to worry about what the upcoming year would hold. Unfortunately, even now, decades later, my apprehension towards the New Year has not completely waned. As a matter of fact, New Years has hosted a few of my life’s frpmost difficult tragedies.
Although it is not a holiday I look forward to, I am determined not to dread New Years Day anymore. For one, I'm no longer 8 years old I need to trust that God will work out His plans for my life. Yes, we live in world that is at times frightening. No, we do not know what will happen from one moment to the next; but it is no reason to be locked in a prison of fear. I think when we have a relationship with God, one of the aspects of it is learning how to trust Him. This year, I do not want to dedicate time and energy to fretting about things that may or may not take place, I want to trust Him. I want to look at a year full of possibilities and ask God to allow the ones He has for me to blossom. I hope we can look at this year as one full of possibilities and hope - together. I don’t usually wish people a Happy New Year. I don’t think positive wishes should end after one day; those wishes should be carried throughout the next 12 months. So with a nod to Neil Gaiman, these are my new year wishes for you.
I hope that by putting your dreams in God's hands they take flight. I hope you meet interesting, heart uplifting people, I hope you try something new and enjoyable. I hope grief and discouragement are infrequent visitors, I hope strength and courage knock on your door everyday, and I hope you open the door. I hope you spend some quality time with yourself, but most of all, I hope you we spend some time with God getting to know Him and all of His wonderful plans for our lives.
I wish you a Happy All Year.
What are your hopes for this year?
