It's become a tradition. Our New Year's Eve family walk. The thing about a scenic stroll altogether is that you are so enamored with the journey that you never look back. You don't regret the steps you've taken or complain about the windy path. You simply put one foot in front of the other, take in the scenery and the good company, and strive to finish out the course with great joy. Sounds familiar, right?
Remember the words of the Apostle Paul:
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 3:13-14
The highlight of 2011 was undoubtedly the speedy birth of our precious Mancub Number 5, but in truth: the year was replete with heartaches, discouragement, stress, and challenges like we've never known. Some were shared here in the pages of this blog, but most were hidden away in private tears and prayers to the Lord. His faithfulness indeed carried us through; his mercy and grace kept our hearts.
...forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead...
While I've admitted before that I can be resolution-phobic, there is no pressing on apart from evaluating, changing, and repositioning yourself to stay on course.
Are you forgetting what is behind, and embracing the new year with fervor and excitement? Or, do you find yourself weary and beat-down already, constantly bogged down by could haves and should haves? Friend, may I remind you as I remind myself: Yesterday paved the way for today, but today informs tomorrow. There is no looking back, and there is no staying HERE. With Christ at the finish line we can put one foot in front of the other, walk with our Savior, and strive to finish out the course with great joy...today, this week, this month, this year.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
-Hebrews 12:1-3
Happy New Year, dear readers. Here's to finding Gods Grace in every day of the journey!