One thing about holidays: after they arrive with much expectations, they seem to look just like the day before. There doesn't seem to be any change at all. Sometimes you feel something in the air that feels a little different, but most generally, what you see and what you feel are different. It is kind of depressing when you stop to think about it. It is no wonder New Year Resolutions never stick.
Last year, as in years past, we have seen our share of tragedy. We have seen our share of successes and happiness. I say this because we all have a wish list, a bucket list if you will, to start seeing everything positive in our lives. We want to hear on the news programs nothing but good news. It will give us a new outlook on life. It will also help us feel better about ourselves, others and the world we live in. But, unfortunately, the only time that will happen will be when the earth is renewed by God, and there is no evil in existence anymore. Even during the millennium rule of Jesus Himself, we may still have to put up with those who are bent on resisting authority and all that are good. But that would be better than what we have now. So what should we expect in 2013?
To tell you the truth, no one really knows. It is only a guess on their part. We do know that we will be living life as we normally do. Working, paying bills, getting sick and getting well. We will also be saying farewells to loved ones as they pass on into eternity, and saying hello to those we allow to live a full life. So in essence, 2013 will be the same as 2012, 1970, 1960, etc. It will be a repeat of life, kind of like a perpetual Groundhog's Day movie. We can make this year different from the others by our behavior.
If we can resolve to make life easier for others, have a more positive outlook on life, be the best that we can be, we could make this year the best year ever. In fact, just our positive outlook on life could make this year better than all the years of the past. That takes effort on our part, real effort, and work. If we can be determined to nip violence in the bud before it materializes into tragedy, if we can have compassion on our fellow man, if we can feel compelled to make our marriages work, and, above all, if we could let God be our guide in everyday life, we will definitely have a better year.
So let us do this: take inventory of our public and private lives and change that which needs changing. Determine to pray and invite God into our everyday life, walk away from the sins our nation is consumed with, then we have a chance. Let our babies live, rather than kill them. Work for our money, instead of stealing from the government and our fellow man through "entitlements." Love our neighbors. God will bless us if we just do these simple things. And it's not that hard. We make it hard through greed and selfishness. So let's get rid of those things that keep us from being better citizens here on earth as well as in eternity. Then we can truly say, "Happy New Year!".
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