As the world awaited the coming of the new year the same old expectations began rising up. As I watched Facebook I saw the typical phrases, "New year, new me", "Let's make this year count!", "January 1st is coming, we can have a new, fresh start, let's go!" It's the same every year and I'm used to it by now. However there was one that really got me thinking; "I hope 2017 is better than 2016!" I can assure you, the change of the year on the calendar will not make things better for you.
There was a time in my life (the majority of my life actually!) when I would have said the very same thing. But God has been working with me on those thoughts this past year and I'd like to share with you what He has been showing me.
The first important lesson is that life is hard. It doesn't matter what your situation is, rich or poor, white or black, busy or bored, life is going to have it's hard times. There will always be problems, there will always be deaths, there will always be drama. We can be sure of this just as sure as we can be that the sun will come up in the morning. Once we get a handle on that truth then we can better deal with problems when they come. Don't be surprised, don't let it catch you off guard, be expecting it, and be prepared, then it will be bearable.
The other side of that, and this can be just a surprising to some, life can be good as well! The hard ties may last for what seems like forever, but there are good things in this life. We take advantage of this so often. Even in the worst of times there are always things that we can reach out and grab a hold of that are good. Special blessings that we may not notice otherwise. A cool wind on a hot day. Running into a friend at the store when things are rough. A hug from an innocent child. Maybe even just a smile from someone you don't even know. Personally that has blessed me recently, just knowing that the whole world isn't against me and that things might just be ok after all. Sometimes we have to look hard for these blessings, but they are there.
With the knowledge that there are going to be both good times and bad times, you now have a choice. Where are you going to put your focus? Sadly, I have lived the majority of my life focusing on the bad. I complain about the cold outside and ignore the fact that I have a warm house to live in. I might feel sad that I can't have a steak but forget that I have a kitchen full of good food and the gift of being able to cook it. I get frustrated because my kids are loud instead of being grateful that they are here and healthy.
We have become a society of complainers, but we are blessed beyond measure. That is why we wonder every year if things will be better on January 1st than they were on December 31st. The answer to that question is that it depends on you. It is all in your perspective and how you see things. The old adage "There is always someone who is worse off" is so very true. Yes, you can always find someone who is better off than you; they could have more money, more friends, more security, whatever, but there is also always someone who is worse off than you. Do you want 2017 to be the best year ever? Start looking for the good in everything. Don't let the bad things get you down. Take your time working through the issues, then leaven them in the past and don't allow yourself to get bitter.
Would you like to test my theory out? Take a stroll through Walmart; smile and be pleasant to everyone you run into. Some will be rude, some will probably make you want to explode, but look at them, smile and say "Hello, have a great day!" When you walk out of that store, not only will you have made someone else's day brighter, you will notice that your mood will be better as well. I have tried it. It amazed me. Go ahead, make 2017 the best year ever! It's all in your perspective.
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