Daily Stop & Thinks

One Day at a Time

You know how I always dread the whole year? Well, this time I’m only going to dread one day at a time. (Charlie Brown, cartoon character)

It’s often true that from the mouths of children (or kids in the funnies) can come great words of wisdom. Thinking about the entire year on the 2nd of January can be daunting. There are so many unknowns and possibilities in our plans. This year, set long-term goals and short-term plans. Then live one day at a time.

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today (Matthew 6:34).

Looking Ahead

Look at life through the windshield, not through the rear-view mirror. (Byrd Baggett, Author)

Happy New Year! As we begin a new year, are you hoping that it will be better than 2022? One of our habits is to look back too often, making comparisons with the events—highs and lows—of last year. Baggett’s metaphor is simple but, no doubt, it is really good advice. This year make it your goal to plan carefully and think positively, looking ahead.

Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you (Proverbs 4:25).

New Year’s Eve

Celebrate endings–for they precede new beginnings. (Jonathan Huie, author)

There are times when we can hardly wait for an ending—like a long semester in a difficult class, but there are other experiences when we think the ending comes too soon. We are enjoying the experience, and we hate to see it end. Whatever the conclusion, happy or sad, we can view it as the beginning of something new and determine to make it a positive experience in 2023.

And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness . . . And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).

End of the Year Thoughts

The only time you should ever look back is to see how far you’ve come. (Bangtan Boys, Butterfly)

Sometimes we look back for the wrong reasons. We wish we had done something different, or that something hadn’t happened. Pessimists will look back over 2022 and recall the failures and disappointments. Others will remember the joys, blessings, and achievements of the year, be pleased with where they are now, and happily anticipate the New Year.

Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you (Proverbs 4:25).

Just Do It!

Most of the accomplishments I’ve achieved in life I began to attempt before I was really ready. (Author unknown)

As we review 2022, we may take pride in what we’ve achieved, but we are looking ahead to next year and resolving to accomplish more. Perhaps it will begin with the determination not to procrastinate because we think we’re not ready for the job. Often, we learn much more when we tackle something that looks impossible.

Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant (Ecclesiastes 11:4). Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days (Ephesians 5:16).

Growing Through Experience

Trouble brings experience and experience brings wisdom. (Yiddish proverb)

This was a tough year for many of us. There were floods, tornados, high crime rate, and too much drug abuse. As we think back on it, what did we learn that could make 2023 a better year? Are we bitter or angry? Have we lost ground in our pursuit of happiness and success? It’s a good time to look back and gain wisdom. Where did we find our hope then; look for it in 2023, too.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character (Romans 5:3-4). 

Foresight

Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. (Carl Jung, 20th century Swiss psychiatrist)

Jung continues: “Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” Most of us like to think ahead and plan our work, establishing goals to reach. Sometimes we may see someone else’s success and “dream” about following their plan. Jung suggests, however, that it must be our own plan that awakens all of our ambitions and abilities to achieve that vision.

May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed (Psalm 20:4). We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9).

After Christmas

Next to a circus there ain’t nothing that packs up and tears out faster than the Christmas spirit. (Frank McKinney Hubbard, 19th-20th century American humorist)

It’s sad but true, isn’t it? I suspect you’ll note the loss of that spirit of joy and camaraderie when you’re standing in line at Walmart’s return desk this week. We’re quickly back to our self-centered agenda, and we may even be upset with the giver whose gift we’re returning. Maybe it would be better if we’d take a few days to meditate on what we were celebrating yesterday.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Christmas

A joy that is shared is a joy made double. (John Roy, musician)

I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior . . .  the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem . . . When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to . . . see this thing that has happened … After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child, Luke 2:10-17.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

Christmas Eve

Even as an adult, I still find it hard to sleep on Christmas Eve. (Carrie Latet, pseudonym for Terri Guillemets, poetry collector)

Can you imagine what it was like for Joseph and Mary on that long ago night? It was the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, and they were part of it. They could only marvel at what God was doing. As we celebrate that day, what are we expecting? We might lie awake tonight, thinking about Jesus’ second advent when he will return to establish his promised kingdom.

… looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).

A Lasting Spirit

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. (Roy L. Smith, author)

Christmas is a disappointment for some because of unrealistic expectations. Children may not get the toys they asked Santa for. And some adults expect this special holiday to lift their spirits for more than just a day. It’s only when we discover that what Christmas offers is a personal relationship with God, and only that can meet all your needs and hopes.

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10 b)

Fun and Reflection

The Christmas spirit is a spirit of giving and forgiving. (J. C. Penney, 20th century American businessman)

The holiday season provides many opportunities for social gatherings—from one-on-one “coffees” to company parties and family gatherings. Various pageants, choirs, caroling, and worship services bring us together, too. With all the fun and fellowship, let’s take time to reflect on relationships, and to offer or seek forgiveness where that is needed.

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven (Proverbs 17:9).