Today is the close of 2017. Another year completing its days. Another year to contemplate upon before the new year begins. Tomorrow will be here soon enough, and I feel compelled to give some time to reflect on the past year and to thank God for the gift.
It’s not so much about what I accomplished this year, or which goals I met…that’s not where I want to focus. The still, small voice within is drawing me to a different kind of reflection…what impact did my life have on others? What relationships did I build upon? Who did I love? How did I give of myself to people with whom I came in contact? In what situations did I reflect the love of God? Or point someone else to the Savior, Christ?
I think it would be easier to recall the year’s achievements – resolutions made, and kept – few as they may be: I lost “xx” pounds; I climbed “xx” flights of stairs; I read “xx” books; I paid off “xx” credit card; I traveled here; I took the kids there. “I…I…I” See how easy that was? That list just poured out of my pen! The other list is going to take a bit more time of reflection, I’m afraid. And a bit of prayer to help me see the year I just lived with the eyes of God showing me the way. A good way to close out the year!
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven;
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time for war, and a time for peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
Dear Lord,
Thank you for another year of life. You have gone before me and behind me every day. You have made my path straight, even on – and especially through – those days of difficulty. Your love and faithfulness are my strength and help in my every way. God, I pray for your help today. Give me your heart for the people you have brought into my circle. Help me to see every soul I meet with new eyes. Let me be an instrument of your love and mercy, so as to reflect YOU to the ones in whose presence I live out my life. I pray that my actions this past year have been an offering of my body “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to you, God – an outpouring of my true and proper worship.” In Christ’s Name, AMEN.