Looking Back . . .

Dear friends, use your most holy faith to build yourselves up even stronger. Pray with the help of the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves safe in God's love, as you wait for the Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy to give you eternal life. Help those who have doubts. ~ Jude 20-22 ERV

The year 2016 is coming to a close and so often many of us journey down the memory lane of what the past year has brought into our daily lives. We look forward with anticipation and wonder of what the year ahead will deliver as we walk into the unknown.

A few years ago, I decided not to focus on only the year that had passed, but rather my life as a whole. I think of that young teenager filled with anxiety and depression and the strides she made to be healthy and whole. Little did she know that her life had been given one incredible gift that would lead her to a life she never dreamed of: the gift of faith in God. God had been there loving, teaching, and guiding. This one gift had the capability to show her that a life filled with joy and love was in plain sight, if only she trusted and had faith. 

Did that young teenager and maturing adult make lots of mistakes and cry many tears? Absolutely! Does she still? Yes, but these moments are now coated in God's Grace. This Grace comes along like the icing on the cake. When you give your best to bake a cake and it doesn't turn out the way you planned, somehow God's Grace comes along and reminds you with a little frosting, the mistakes inside the cake aren't really what is important. It's what you learned that will help you make a better cake next time that makes even the most messed up cake worthy of your time and effort. It's about forgiving yourself, too. God believes you can do better and He will help you believe that, too. It's about moving forward.

"Looking back" is a reminder that God has blessed us with a future that we are living each day. That in itself is a gift beyond measure. So, as you look back at 2016, take a voyage farther back in time. Your life, like mine, is being loved, taught, and guided with a God that always believes in us in all circumstances. My goal for 2017, is to please Him through my thoughts and actions. And on those days, when things don't go as planned, I will sit quietly covered in God's Grace knowing a new chance awaits me to diligently strive for a better tomorrow.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the daily treasures of life that You provide. As we move into a new year, may we be reminded that You are with us and counting on us in all circumstances. 

Amen