New Things

“Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.”  Isaiah 42:9

Happy New Year to all! 

Aren’t new things fun?  Like when you buy a new pair of shoes, and you can’t wait to get up in the morning and put them on?  Or like when we ladies get new makeup and can’t wait to try it out? I like getting a new hair cut, and can’t wait to style it in the mornings!

And when we get something new, we tend to take special care of it…no scratches, no soiling, no bending or dropping it.  We take time to shine it, wash it, clean it, and put it away carefully.

When we were newly-weds, didn’t we try our hardest to keep everything perfect?!  And when we had a new baby, the wonders of holding a new-born in our arms was so thrilling!

But eventually, those new things do become old.   We live in a world where things deteriorate, hair turns grey, and shoes eventually do get dirty and torn.  One day you wake up and realize your spouse has imperfections, and a few days after delivering that perfect little baby, you’re so tired you can’t even remember what a full night’s rest feels like.

And the new wears off.  And as the new begins to wear off, you stop trying so hard.  You stop shining, caring for, cleaning.  You give up on styling.  You eventually show your grumpy side, and a few remarks that you later regret come from your mouth.  That sweet little newborn is SO precious, but I need some sleep; and grouchiness becomes a thief that steals that awe and wonder of the amazing feeling of motherhood that you felt only a few days ago.

And so it tends to happen in a New Year.

Remember only a few days ago, when you and your family gathered together and reflected on God’s wonderful blessings in 2014, and you purposed in your heart that you are setting new resolutions, and everything will indeed be different in 2015? 

May I urge you to keep the “New” in this year?  Keep the scratchiness of nagging out of your voice.  Don’t soil a perfectly good day by selfishly wanting all to go your own way.  Remember that flexibility is the key to contentment, and seek to bend for the benefit of others.  Drop all negativeness and criticism from your attitude. Shine that attitude every morning with some refreshing time with our Lord. Wash away all poutiness when things don’t go exactly the way you think they should.  Put aside all conflicting thoughts and think only on those things that are virtuous and praise-worthy. Don’t forget that every morning, His mercies are new.  Keep the freshness and the awesomeness and the excitement of a New Year all year long.

And those New-Year Resolutions…remember that you CAN do all things through Christ which strengtheneth you.  We can, and with God’s help, we will.