Count your blessings, name them one by one….

A fresh new year! It’s like opening a notebook with clean, crisp empty pages. As the year progresses the pages will be filled in. We don’t get to choose all that will transpire on those pages but there will be many choices and decisions we will get to make. We might face uncertain situations but we have a God that remains the same. The circumstances surrounding us are always changing. Our job could end, which causes stress as we pursue a new one. Our health issues change daily it seems. Problems exist with neighbors, family, co workers, etc…the list is endless. Through it all, the Lord Jesus remains steadfast and faithful. He doesn’t change His mind or His promises. We can always count on Him.

I know a lot of people make new years resolutions. I do not. I don’t like to make promises I may or may not keep. I like to keep my word and my commitments as much as I’m able. When I have to work with someone to complete a project I definitely want someone who keeps their word. I do, however,  try and re dedicate my life to God. I try and analyze where I’m falling short and renew my desire to press to a new level in my walk with the Lord. I want to continually reach new rungs on that spiritual ladder.

People are drawn to the spirit of generosity because it is seldom seen in this selfish age we live in. The following quote states so simply what small gestures we can do to exhibit the character of Christ.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch,
a smile, a kind word, a listening ear,
an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
– Leo Buscaglia

These are easy things to practice in our daily life to help generate hope to someone who needs a dose of encouragement. I will forever be grateful for all the cards, phone calls, flowers, and so many simple acts of kindness shown to me when I was very ill. It made me want to show that same love to another ailing person.

As I begin this new year I want to be thankful for the privilege of serving a living God. I want to show my thankfulness by the life I  live not by words that have no value. If we were choosing members of a sports team, we wouldn’t choose those that had claims they could play. We would choose those we had actually seen perform. God is choosing those that do His Word, not just hear it.

We have a brand new year before us, no black marks and no mistakes! May we endeavor to please the God of all, the King of Glory as we rejoice in this brand new year.