Writing helps me put all things in perspective. My accomplishments, my failures, my disappointments, my joys. Sometimes, my mind prefers to focus on the negative; but putting words to paper, or in this case, on my blog, I find a balance.
What was 2009 like for you? I know for many, it was hurtful, with the loss of loved ones, jobs and other disappointments. I know people who got married, who had babies, who graduated from school. For them, 2009 means joy and accomplishment. What does it mean to you?
Our 2009 was a mix of both, as I have mentioned in a previous blog. And yet, my mind seems to settle on the negative. Why do you think that is? What is it in our human nature that pulls us toward our shortcomings instead of our successes?
Last year was imperfect; this year will be too. It already is. (Jim can laugh here) Why? Because I am imperfect. (Jim can stop laughing now) I make mistakes; some I know about and some that go by unnoticed by me, but are very apparent to others. Sometimes I get so hung up over past mistakes that it makes it hard to move forward. I know I should forgive myself and move on, but sometimes those ghosts creep back in.
Maybe it’s not your own shortcomings that is your focus, but those of others. What about 2009 do you need to let go of? Maybe, whatever it is, started before 2009 and is still hanging around. Is it resentment? Unforgiveness? Fear?
An old Chinese proverb says, “When we live with resentment, we dig two graves.” Our attitude towards others may be the very thing holding us back.
In this new year, what can you let go of and leave behind? I pray that God will touch your heart and bring to mind those things that He would have you focus on putting behind you, whether it involves forgiving someone else, or yourself. You won’t have to go it alone…God will be there to walk you through, every step of the way. Colossians 1:13-15 tells us, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” As I work to put my “ghosts” to rest, I pray that each of you will be able to do the same, through Christ who strengthens us.
“Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go.” Brooks Atkinson
Writes 4 Him 