There is always something special about starting a new year. It’s like a child who longs to go back to school after summer vacation. A new school year brings anticipation for new friends, teachers, school supplies, and new sports seasons. Most of us look forward to putting the past behind us and starting fresh. For others, it’s always about rehashing old family wounds, the state of the economy, or the world's end. Where does that leave us? Do we look at the glass as half empty or half full? One’s outlook can determine one’s fate. If we believe that all is going to hell in a handbasket, we might miss the happy milestones of a grandchild, the loving gaze of a spouse who has stood by us, or the beautiful order displayed in God’s creation.
This is what the Lord says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, 17 who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: 18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:16-19)
Meditating on what God has done for us, sending us His Son who was born, was crucified, died, and arose from the dead, gives us hope that one day we will see Him and be with Him, along with our deceased relatives and friends, in a place where there is no sickness or death, wars or rumors of wars. The prophecies from Isaiah were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Let us seek to be new creatures in Him…perhaps we might look to new ways to volunteer our time and talent in the New Year. Through daily prayer and meditation, we might come to hear that small voice in our hearts leading us to a new adventure that awaits us.
This New Year, I might not be able to say that I am new, at least not at my age, but I can be improved!
May God’s blessings, through the birth of His Son, be with us the entire New Year.
Stephen Scarallo
