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| Revelation 21:5 |
Our daughter-in-law wanted a globe for Christmas. As Dick and I looked in various stores and online, we found fancy new lighted ones, plastic ones, inflatable ones, glass ones, marble ones, and old raised relief globes. When we came across the latter in excellent condition on a nice tall wooden stand we got it. It’s old—still has the U.S.S.R.—but she loved it!
However old isn’t always good. Our granddaughter, River, wanted a record player. Her dad found an old one at an antique mall and decided to fix it up. He bought new needles, 3-D printed parts, and took the thing apart several times trying to get it to work. It will play at the right speed for a while and then everyone sounds like they are singing bass—frustrating for him and for River. A new one is in order.
At the start of a new year, people often spend time evaluating their lives and even their belongings. Some old habits and material things need to be discarded, while others continue to be worthwhile and beneficial. Many pledges to adopt new, helpful practices are made. Promises to do and be better abound.
Christians are no different. We look back over the past year and wonder, “Have we grown in our walk with Jesus? Are we giving Him our all?” If so, can we identify what helped, so we can continue those disciplines? If not, what can we change so that our faith doesn’t stagnate?
In all honesty, 2024 was a challenge for me, filled with unexpected twists (decisions within the UMC that profoundly affected Dick and me) and turns (moving twice in less than 12 months). My usual quiet time felt squeezed in and lacked spark. A change in that routine is a must in 2025.
On the other hand, Dick and I have found a fellowship of believers that has swept us off our feet and drew us in. The loving folks at Greencastle Baptist Church have blessed us in so many ways, helping us to stretch and increase our faith! God knew what we needed and led us here.
In Matthew 13:52 and Isaiah 43:19 the Bible talks about considering new and old things. Are you reflecting on the past year and praying about the new one today? What is God saying to you?
Be encouraged!
