It’s a New Year every day. We’re already way into the “new year” and so many have quit their resolution or honestly have quit many of their resolutions! I’ve been trying to think of each month as “the new year” so that I’ll just keep trying to accomplish what I really want. It’s always a good time, no matter if it’s January 1, May 1 or September 1.
On this day, that is not January first, I’m going to make a resolution. I’m going to take stock in my life. I’m going to take stock in how God is working in my life. I’m going to have gratitude and praise, even in the storm! I’m going to look back and be proud of where I’ve come from and where I’m going now, and how I got here.
I have a sign in my home that a dear friend gave me after I went through a really bad situation. The sign says, “Don’t look back, you’re not going that way.” I love that simple little sign. I don’t agree with it, but I love the simplicity of it. Of course you have to look back. History is a requirement in school–because it is important to remember so you can make changes for the better!
Recently, in a meeting with second, third and fourth generation family business owners, we were having a discussion on planning the future. The discussion, of course, turned to talk about the past. A great visual to imagine is to picture yourself driving; the front window is large so that you can see where you’re going, but you look in the small review mirror often for shorter amounts of time. It helps to keep you safe to get to your destination. I love that visual. If you stare in the review mirror for an extended period of time you might crash or have to pull over because you can’t drive forward staring backwards.
But if I don’t look back I won’t see all the good God has done through horrific events. I won’t see all the blessings. A year in our lives is like an event, whether it’s a good or bad event, it’s all contained by a number; 1971, 1999, 2002 or 2019. Each date brings a specific event to mind that happened in that year; the birth of my sons in 1999 and 2002. Other dates/years come to mind; 1989 was the year I graduated high school and the year my team became state champions; 1991 was the year I became an all-American; 1995 was the year I got married to the love of my life; 2001 was the year I didn’t have my little girl; 2003 was the year I was diagnosed with MS; I beat cancer in 2017 and 2018 will be known as the year my divorce became final to the one I previously thought was the love of my life. Each year holds both positive experiences and negative experiences. As I was going through these latest trials in my life, and it was REALLY low at certain times, it became clear that I do not have control of anything in this life, but thankfully I know that God’s got this. He has a plan for my life and because I’ve been taking a look back each week, month and year, I’m able to see how God is using all the good and the bad stuff for His good.
It’s been very positive to see how God has used all this for His good. I’ve been able to look in the review mirror and see the positive in each situation. I didn’t know it at the time and it was really hard but I’m grateful that I can see God’s work.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV)
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