Are we really ready to go roaring into 2022?
Are we really ready to go roaring into 2022? Never mind that the last two years have been difficult on so many levels, even as we tried to count our blessings. Yes, we are alive, we have a roof over our heads even as we grieve the loss and illnesses of so many that we love. But, whether or not we are ready for 2022, it is here. So, here we come, ready or not!
But wait! There’s another way to look at the new year. It is an opportunity for us to let go of the past, to cross a new bridge and to release the old that was not beneficial. We don’t have to believe the old thoughts or old tapes in our mind that remind us of past disappointments that have held us back and prevented us from growing spiritually. Old tapes that say, “I can’t do that. I’m not qualified, I don’t have time, it’s too late in life to try a new thing, I don’t have the energy.” The “I can’t” list goes on. Instead, I CAN choose let go of actions or activities that no longer help me to grow or have blocked my full potential.
Yes, we will be pushed along in the stream of life whether it be a threatening rapid or a gentle flowing river. We’ll face the next bend in the curves of life or be left shipwrecked on the shore as the current rushes on. But we can still make some choices even though life is what happens when we’re busy making other plans.
More importantly, I CAN choose to change my attitude. No one can do it for me. “For most of us it can be a happy year if by happiness we mean we are done with doubts, that we have set our hearts against fear, that we still believe in the Golden Rule for all mankind.” FD Roosevelt
“The only limit in our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith.” FDR
2022 gives me a chance to try something new. To give myself permission to go and have some fun. For example, I love to dance and miss it a lot, so I have signed up for a beginning line dancing class. Who cares if I end up stumbling around and feeling silly? I bet others will feel the same way. But what a happy distraction that will be, and in addition, …and a chance to meet others who have the same interest.
Spiritually, today, as I looked out the front window of my car I realized that the front window is very large, and the rearview mirror is very small. The message was loud and clear. I want to look forward in life, not looking back so much. The future is an open slate upon which I have a chance to make it great using the lessons I’ve learned in the past.
Come to think of it, there’s a reason why God gave me two ears and one mouth. In this new year, I will try to listen more and speak less. After all, if I do all the talking, I won’t learn anything new about my friend. Besides, I’m tired of listening to my own story anyway!
But I digress. Tell me, please, why do some of us find it so difficult to make new year’s resolutions? Are they too hard to keep? Afterall, looking down the long road of 365 days coming up in 2022, can be overwhelming. Well, I challenge all of us to not see it that way. We can learn. I can learn to take just one day at a time.
Forget setting a goal for 365 days. Even scripture speaks about walking one step at a time, as in Psalm 23. ”The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.” (I don’t have to worry because He provides the way.) “He makes me to lie down in green pastures.” (He wants me to get enough rest.) “He restores my soul.” (That’s a promise. Do I dare to rest and trust Him?) He then promises …“He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name‘s sake.”
But what happens if 2022 brings rough times or even the threat of death for those I love? “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” (So, no matter what happens He does not want me to fear now or in the future. 365 times in the Bible we are told to fear not; to have courage.
How can I not be afraid or anxious for whatever 2022 brings? Well, I can choose to lean on Him. He is available …because He has said, “for He is with me, He comforts me.”
But, in the midst of that, like a little squirrel, I will do some planning of the future. With His help, I can find balance between one day at a time and future planning.
One last daily goal for me this year is to seek out more humor and lighten up. I will look for even little things to smile about, to chuckle about, even laugh at myself.
Robert Frost said, “Two roads diverged into a wood and I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference.” I have choices to make and so do you, my friend.
Let’s face it. No year with all its unexpected circumstances and surprises, will ever be perfect. But what can be perfect is how we love each other. How we care about the other guy, how we understand that it’s not all about me!
Given all this, let’s welcome the challenges of 2022. Bring it on! I’m ready! I’ll bet you are too! Go ahead and pursue happiness, trusting in Him to show you the way one day at a time.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
HUMOR CORNER
“No brain is stronger than its weakest think.” T. Mason
Headlines: Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures – Who would have thought!
Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges – You mean there’s something stronger than duct tape?
If Strike Isn’t Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile – Ya think?
“Diamonds are only chucks of coal that stuck to their jobs, you see.” M. Smith
Enjoy reading Annie’s recently published inspirational memoir, THAT ONE PERSON, by Annie Farris, written to encourage you in these challenging times. Now available on Amazon for $15.95, and Kindle for $9.99. Endorsed by Pat Boone and 18 others with numerous 5-star reviews. It makes a great gift!
AFTER YOU’VE READ THE BOOK, PLEASE GO TO AMAZON.COM AND WRITE A REVIEW. Amazon will only allow Annie to advertise after she has 100 5 star reviews, a daunting job for a new author!
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