As I wrote these thoughts, we were about to step into a new year, 2023.  The crystal ball was about to descend in Times Square and cheers to the new year were about to ring out. 

Often, we greet the new year with resolutions; those promises of how much improved we will be in the new year.  Resolutions that we actually keep?  Maybe, maybe not.   I just stumbled on a very different message, one that rang true to me.  Perhaps we could enter a new year by accepting ourselves just as we are with gratitude for the blessings of the past year.  There were times when life hurled stones at us.  We hurt, we cried, we begged to know why.  We have been breaking, rebuilding, enduring.  That’s who we are. 

Sometimes life throws us a curve ball that knocks the wind out of us. Death of a loved one. Loss of a job we loved. Infidelity in relationships. Sudden unexpected disease hits. And the list goes on.   Jesus told us that in the world we WILL have tribulation, no matter how “good” or how faithful we’ve been.  You have been there; you know this to be true.  With God’s hand in yours, you’ve coped.  You’ve built yourself up time and time again; you’ve carried on.  

In the words of Donna Ashworth, “You deserve to be commended . . . for catching the stones life has thrown at you and using them to build your castle that little bit stronger.  You have endured my friend.”

May our God of unconditional love be with you each day, as you cope and rebuild.

Judy