Another year is ending and a new one beginning. Time seems to be moving faster and faster. Where did the last year go? People still celebrate the coming of the new year with hope for better times. It seems all the years have their history of good times and hard times. Someone once told me an old Chinese curse was, “may you live in interesting times.” We certainly are living in interesting times: the whole world has been dealing with a pandemic - what I have called a plague. What can I say about this, I am not sure what I think. No one seems to really know how to deal with it. And, we do seem to have trouble obeying any rules. Hasn’t it always been thus? Ever since the fall we have lived in interesting times. The bible is full of interesting times; Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived in them, the prophets dealt with them, and certainly Jesus came into a time of turmoil. Actually, there isn’t much we can do about the “world.” There are times when the only recourse is to pray and ask God for wisdom and help. For, God has given us a lasting hope of a better tomorrow, and eternity with Him. Meanwhile, He has given us a beautiful world, friends and family. We need to be aware of the safety and health of our friends and neighbors - "do unto others." Our health care workers and first responders are putting their lives in danger every day to us well and keep us safe. What does God want from us? I suppose each has his own answer for this. Maybe it is "love your neighbor as yourself.” What do you think? So, let us start the new year by remembering God is good – and He loves us. Susan Russell.
Sue’s writing offers us hope as we usher in the new year of 2021. In looking back on the past year, we can attest to the high level of anxiety it aroused; the saddest at the loss of life and loss of jobs; the helplessness we all felt. And yet in the past few months we have gained much in the way of time spent with our families, the increased and necessary role of technology in our lives; learning to think anew about life and moving forward even in the midst of adversity.
Although the new year may bring more of the same, we have the hope, the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ to take with us into whatever the year may bring. I pray we are ready for whatever that may be.
Jesus said, "28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
May we remember to trust Jesus should the cares and burdens of the new year get too much for us.
A favorite for New Year's Eve - Auld Land Syne by Andre Rieu:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11wYCgYms2I
From my family and I to yours, I wish you A Happy, Healthy and Blessed New Year!