As another year comes to a close, I reflect on what it has been; the events, difficulties, victories. I’ve lived long enough to be able to look back; and just take a look one more time, and evaluate the most important things that have happened, and glean some benefit from them before closing the door to 2014, and moving on.
When I was young I didn’t take the time to do this. Each year that closed came and went like just another day. The older I get, the more I realize this may be my last one to take stock of. God has given me the blessing of knowing just how short life is; no matter how many years I’ve lived, and to not take the time I have left for granted. I’ve also learned the value of observance and reflection; to look within and take the time to ask the Lord to use the events of my life to build my soul, to allow each trial to mold me and shape me. Hopefully closer into the image of Jesus Christ. This is the goal.
Growing older has given me another blessing. I’ve learned to not take myself so seriously. I can accept the fact I’m not perfect, will make mistakes, and can forgive myself easier. Reflecting back on the events of this year, and the mistakes made; I use them also to teach me. It’s just as important to learn what not to do, so as not to repeat it. Some people become stubborn, and unwilling to learn as they grow older; this is a mistake. A strong mind, and having confidence is good, but there has to be a balance of keeping a childlike openness and creativity. We only stunt ourselves when we become stiff, and un-teachable.
These last few days of meditation and reflection will help me to move forward to the new year with an attitude of optimism, and freedom. The kind of freedom Paul talks about, of letting go of the past, and looking the future squarely in the face; with courage and without fear.
Php 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
I’ve heard this said, and it is a profound statement:
"No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."
I pray we all can take stock of what is behind us, learn from it, and move on with new energy, and a fresh optimism. With God we can face any challenge coming our way in the year to come.
Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Lorna Couillard
When I was young I didn’t take the time to do this. Each year that closed came and went like just another day. The older I get, the more I realize this may be my last one to take stock of. God has given me the blessing of knowing just how short life is; no matter how many years I’ve lived, and to not take the time I have left for granted. I’ve also learned the value of observance and reflection; to look within and take the time to ask the Lord to use the events of my life to build my soul, to allow each trial to mold me and shape me. Hopefully closer into the image of Jesus Christ. This is the goal.
Growing older has given me another blessing. I’ve learned to not take myself so seriously. I can accept the fact I’m not perfect, will make mistakes, and can forgive myself easier. Reflecting back on the events of this year, and the mistakes made; I use them also to teach me. It’s just as important to learn what not to do, so as not to repeat it. Some people become stubborn, and unwilling to learn as they grow older; this is a mistake. A strong mind, and having confidence is good, but there has to be a balance of keeping a childlike openness and creativity. We only stunt ourselves when we become stiff, and un-teachable.
These last few days of meditation and reflection will help me to move forward to the new year with an attitude of optimism, and freedom. The kind of freedom Paul talks about, of letting go of the past, and looking the future squarely in the face; with courage and without fear.
Php 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
I’ve heard this said, and it is a profound statement:
"No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."
I pray we all can take stock of what is behind us, learn from it, and move on with new energy, and a fresh optimism. With God we can face any challenge coming our way in the year to come.
Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Lorna Couillard
