A Snippet: Welcome 2018

Wow, how time flies! It seems like just yesterday we rang in 2017, but now we’re a few days into 2018!

Looking back at my 2017, I see that a lot went on. My niece was born. I got a new best friend (see previous post to learn about the special kiddo). I had a lot of great times with my amazing family. I had to let go of some important friendships, while I was able to strengthen others. I got hurt, but I laughed a lot. I got good grades. I went to a lot of football games. I made some hard decisions. I hung out with some great people. And on and on. The list is endless!

But looking back—despite all that—I feel disappointed. My 2017 was missing so much. I focused on a lot of the wrong things. I didn’t pursue God like I should have, and, ultimately, that made my year lacking in so many areas. Looking back at 2017, I see a lot of blessings, but I don’t see much growth. I don’t see a person who truly strives to follow God and lives to be a mirror for Him. And, for those reasons, 2017 disappoints me.

Maybe that’s why I’m so excited for 2018. :) 

Yes, the fact that another year has come scares me a little. I mean, time flies and sometimes I can’t keep up! But this new year reminds me that I can have a fresh start. Truly, every second that we have is an opportunity to have a fresh start in Christ.

2018, I’m not sure I’m ready for you, but I’m going to strive to leave you in God’s hands. To not worry about the future. To let the past be the past. (Yes, I needed what happened to shape me, but I don’t want it to haunt me.) To not “let go and let God” (doing nothing) but to rather to turn everything over to Him and keep walking, even when I can’t exactly see where I’m going. And most importantly, I’m going to strive to chase God. It won’t be easy, but it will shape this next year.

Tim Tebow writes in one of his books: “I don’t know what my future holds, but I know Who holds my future.” God, I pray that You will show me who You are—that You will show me the One who holds my future. I pray that You will put in my heart a burning desire to chase You and know You. Help me this next year to shine for You. And I pray the same for everyone reading this, Lord.


Whether you had a great 2017 or a lacking one, you can have a fresh start today! Turn to Jesus. Ask Him to help you and to renew your heart. That will shape 2018. 

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