As a teenager, I attended our church’s summer camp, Camp Columbia, on Thetis Island, off Vancouver Island, B.C. My life, rather sheltered and predictable up to that point, was broadened as I met new friends and enlarged my territory. Camp was a place where I caught a glimpse into my future interests and passions. A highlight of our structured days was the evening “campfire” held inside the historic Heneage House, named after the man who built it in 1910.

It was Visitor’s Day, and our schedule was rearranged as we had a special program and gave parents and others guided tours of the property. Everyone was in high spirits, and that evening, we enjoyed the hilarious events of the daily “campfire.” The room being crowded, a friend and I had ensconced ourselves in the window seat where we had a good view of the proceedings. The bay window was wide open. All of a sudden, my friend and I looked at each other at exactly the same moment, and had the same crazy thought. We both saw an opportunity for more fun. Together, we jumped out the window and landed on the lawn! Campfire was over early, and girls were running around and playing tetherball in their nighties, enjoying their freedom from the constraints of the usual schedule. Strangely enough, it wasn’t us who got into trouble, but the gal who was supposed to be supervising us. This memory always makes me laugh.

This new year is like an open window.

Jabez in the Old Testament prayed a prayer, partly quoted here: “Oh that you would bless me and expand my territory!” (I Chronicles 4:10 NLT)

We can move from a “crowded room” to a spacious place full of new opportunities. We have that hope and expectation in Jesus.

As a physical window lets in a cool breeze, the window of the new year lets in the breath of the Holy Spirit. We can be open to fresh attitudes, new revelation and insight into the ways of the Lord. We can thrive and not merely survive. “I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding.” (Psalm 119: 32 NLT)

The new year may bring a breakthrough in situations that have been stuck for a while, even for years. A year or so ago, I managed to track down a family member who has been out of reach for over twenty years. We have a brief written chat a couple of times a year on Facebook Messenger. The only way this formerly lost relationship can go forward from now on, is by bathing it in prayer.

Let’s embrace the new year as a new beginning, a window of opportunity for growth and flourishing. “Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. [some manuscripts read “your ways”] (Psalm 119:37 NLT) I personally want to watch what I waste time on. I want to make my moments count.

Lord, help us all to use this fresh, new year as a time of new beginnings, increased growth and closeness to You, and a deeper commitment to prayer. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Alice Burnett
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada