As my black eyed peas are soaking…I’m sitting here
reflecting on what New Year’s Day means to me.
It is traditionally, a time to say goodbye to an old year, and embrace
the new. It is a great time for new
beginnings.
For some reason, January 1st has had a few life
changing events associated with it in my lifetime. Not only did it annually signify a new year,
it brought some sad goodbyes and the most important decision I would ever make.
Thirty five years ago today, my grandmother passed
away. Growing up, she had such a
profound influence on my life. The traditional grandma who always had an
apron with big pockets, and sensible shoes; she always had a hug waiting in her
arms and a cookie in her cookie jar. That
unexpected goodbye was a sad one.
Eighteen years ago today, my daddy died. He had suffered from lung cancer, and that
goodbye was, although extremely sad, was also a blessing. He was a loving father, and a sweet
grandfather to our children.
But New Year’s Day doesn't entirely hold unhappy memories
for me. It is also the anniversary of
the most joyous event in my lifetime.
Thirty four years ago today, I was sitting in church with my
older sister and her boyfriend (now husband).
She seemed to have such peace in her life. I wanted that. She had recently made the decision to make
God the top priority in her life. Was
that the key? I had ‘given my heart’ to
Jesus as a child, but that was about as far as it went. I was now almost 19, and knew I wanted
something different. I prayed and asked
God to please fill my life with His Peace, and I would hand my life over to
Him. At that simple, unassuming moment,
my life was forever changed. I truly knew
what it was, to be a child of God. And I’ve
never looked back. I have made many
mistakes since then, as being a Christian doesn’t exempt you from sin…but I see
that sin right away, ask for forgiveness and do my best to refrain from doing
it again. Thirty four years of having Someone to lean on
during difficult times. Thirty four
years of a Peace that passes all understanding.
Thirty four years of knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am Loved
beyond measure. And thirty four years of
knowing that when I die, I have a mansion waiting for me and I will be able to
see with unhindered eyes, the face of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
How about you? Are
you looking for some type of peace? Now
is a good day to ask for it. Happy New
Year!
Matthew 7:7 "Ask
and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be
opened to you."
Acts 17:27 “ God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him
and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us.”
