“Death puts an unwanted emphasis on how we should have lived.” - Emphasis by Sleeping at Last
They say the world will end December 21, 2012. That leaves 355 days to live it up. While no one really knows the exact date (scripture tells us in Matthew and Mark) it certainly begs the question “What needs to be accomplished before I die?” What things do you want to experienced this next year that you haven’t yet--whether 12/21/12 happens or not? In what ways do you want to shine Christ to those around you and be Jesus with skin on to kids in the African plains? What are your hopes and dreams for this new year and how do I honor God with what I do? What does He want us to do?
“This year is a sealed envelope, a culmination of hopes... This year is a sealed envelope; with apprehensive hope-we brace for anything.” -January White by Sleeping at Last
More than once I’ve tried to write out goals for 2012-failing miserably each time. It seems that I need to resolve to know that this year is a sealed envelope and that whatever plans I create, God may have different ones. Proverbs 19:21 says “We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.” I’m fighting the line between making my list verses what God may have in store. It’s been my experience to allow prayer, scripture, reflection, and advice from Godly people set the course of my goals and plans.... always allowing for God to revise and redirect plans.
“I tend to write the epiphany more immediately...For I found my resolution is designed for stronger hands.” -Page 28 by Sleeping at Last
Resolutions. It all comes down to having open hands and open hearts to allow God to write what is inside our sealed envelope of 2012. It comes down to use making plans written in pencil and having ambition and drive to live out our hearts desires but to do so with God’s advice.
“What I need is for You to be the thing that I need.” -Let Me Feel You Shine by David Crowder Band
...But I do have one resolution. I want God to be the thing that I need. I live in a world where I have no needs. I have food. I have shelter. I have information at my fingertips. I have people in my life. I have a job that I love. I can get everything I need without much sacrifice. This scares me. As I read the Old Testament, over and over again people are losing sight of God for things that they think they need (idol worship, food, sex, shelter, safety). What I’ve learned (been reminded of) this year is that God is still in pursuit of a relationship with his people and still looks to the unexpected person to serve and represent him. In 2012 I want for God to be the thing that I need...and not just need, but want.
“You’ll never make it to the great unknown till you keep your eyes open.” - Keep Your Eyes Open by Needtobreathe
I suppose the only way to make 2012 count is to keep your eyes open-- to see life as a gift, to let go of immediate gratification, to seek to challenge yourself, to recognize that every person has a story, to love, and be a reflection of Christ. That’s a lot of things to remember to do and it doesn’t leave much room for mistakes. But it will tell a better story to try, right? Yikes, I’m going to go deep here...Someday we’ll all stand before Christ (Hebrews 9, Romans 14) and what will we have to to say about the time we spent here? Yep, I went there. Believe me, it scares me too and pushes me to strive to reflect Christ and share his love the best way I can. It’s not a burden, but an honor to serve him. And so even when I make mistakes, I want to do so with eyes open and God’s purposes in mind.
“If life is a series of narrow escapes.” -Wires by Sleeping at Last
I’ve experienced people (including myself) living in justification mode in 2011. I’ve seen morality defined by what “everyone else is doing” instead of by what scripture says. I’ve seen people choose to live on right on the edge of wrong. I pray that 2012 isn’t about narrow escapes, but about living life that is something better. Resolve to stay far from the line, to escape the gray, to inspire others to live something more. Resolve to justify life by Scripture rather than those in a 10 mile radius.
“Here come better days.” -Better Days by Robbie Seay Band
Many dear friends are looking forward to a new year. Family death, cancer, mental sickness, relationship heartache, losing jobs, the loss of a baby, and a general feeling of being unsettled are many of their experiences in 2011. I’m praying for a better year filled with love, healing, blessings, and perspective. We aren’t promised that life here on earth will be heavenly or perfect. But one day we’re promised better days IN heaven. I think 2012 should have a heavenly perspective. I pray for glimpses of heaven here on earth for 2012. I hope that fear, sadness, and loss will stay far away. But if it comes, when it comes, I pray it will only remind us of a heavenly place where there will be better days.
“We live for understanding or for control.” - Wires by Sleeping at Last
As we enter a new year, I hope we gain perspective, create pencil plans, and live for a release of control or understanding. I hope we see God and his love--his constant pursuit of relationship with us. I pray our souls have space and time to grow. I hope we learn to treat others with tender grace. I hope we live with eyes open.
May 2012 be more than 2011 in so many ways. May God’s blessing be upon you.
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