As one year ends and another begins, many of us will spend moments contemplating the time that has past and that which is to come. Much of this shared over the past week has been about the seemingly higher than usual passing of so many famous household names. We also saw an unprecedented period of a refugee crisis -a rather disappointing feature of 2016!
When asked to write the first post for 2017, I thought about sharing the hopes that a new year unwittingly offers; however, this does not quite feel right. The turning of the clock at midnight on 31 December does not necessarily offer many a new broom, a fresh start, or opportunities for resolutions. However, each year many of us perceive that we have this chance to make a difference.
Perhaps it would be better to see this moment each year as a refreshing point?
We ask our Lord for repentance of our sins as a way of being refreshed “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” [Acts 3:19]
So perhaps this year, rather than promising those extra days down the gym, eating healthier or even writing well versed blogs; perhaps some time in reflection and repentance, to seek the way we should change will be of greater benefit to us and those we meet.
Happy New Year to all who read this & I wish 2017 brings you hope, joy & love, which you can share and help others around you to find their ‘new broom’ and sweep clean for a refreshed start to our continued journey in our following of Christ.