2017 has been such a wonderful year, and we’re all prepared to enter 2018 with joy and gratitude in our hearts. So many of us rejoiced this year – some of you finished college, or got into your favorite one, some of you landed that job you’ve been dreaming about or got promoted to that position you’ve had your eyes on, some of you got married, some of you had children and some of you had grandchildren. Through it all, the year has been a beautiful journey, and we’re all so grateful for it, aren’t we?
Aren’t we?
Maybe not…
Maybe not all of us are prepared for 2018. Maybe we’re not ready to bring in the new year in celebration and joy.
Because this year hasn’t been so easy on so many of us.
For some of you, this isn’t quite the new year party you were expecting –
Some of you lost your jobs, or lost your marriage. Some of you failed at something you really wanted to accomplish. For some of you, it’s the first new year without a parent, a grandparent, a child or a loved one. For some, it’s the first new year’s away from your family. For some others, you know it’s going to be a lonely new year’s, with no one to celebrate with.
And as the rest of the world parties – getting drunk and high and dancing the night away, or simply having dinner with their families, you are wondering why life has been so unfair to you this year…and you are not ready for 2018.
We’re not here to say 2018 will be better, or that your troubles will fly away soon.
We’re only here to remind you that you are not alone in this – you never were. And maybe that’s not enough right now, but that’s alright. New Year’s Eve is just one day. It is an excuse for people to celebrate, and I want you to know – you will have yours. You will have a beautiful reason to celebrate soon.
But until then, remember you are not alone. There’s a God who loves you so much – who knows what it feels like to lose His loved one, who knows what it feels like to be lonely, and He wants to be a parent to you – a family to you.
Look back at the year and the blessings you’ve received, and look forward to the hope that’s in front of you. Both are yours.
Let go of the pain from last year, and step into the new with hope. Know that there are people who are around you who want to give love. If you don’t know where to look, start by closing your eyes, and pray. If you know where to look, start by closing your eyes, and pray.
It’s going to be a hopeful year…
We love you. We’d love to hear from you, and know that you can always reach out to us here.
Happy New Year dear one. We’re praying for you.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
Isaiah 43:18-19
