End of Year Reflections

December 31, 2023

...Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead...

~ Philippians 3:13b ESV ~

"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead." (Philippians 3:13 ESV)

"But Lot's wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt." (Genesis 19:26 ESV)

This year is almost over. What have you done with it? Have you done anything good? Have you helped people, done something nice for someone? Or have you just lived in your own little world, ignoring people around you? Examine yourself. Do you like what you see? Or is there room for improvement? Let's face it, we can all stand for improvements.  None of us is perfect.

Let's look at Jesus a minute. He is perfect. He never sinned, cursed, or hated anyone even though they gave him plenty of reasons to. Jesus lived a short life. He was crucified at the young age of 33. But He did so much in those few years. How do you think Jesus would feel if we went around ignoring people, shutting them out, or treating them badly? I know He wouldn't like it.

I want to ask you to do something these last days of the year. Go out of your way to be nice to people. A kind word in passing, paying for someone's meal at the drive-through or wherever. Buy someone a cup of coffee or a soda. Take the time to brighten someone's day. Just say hi to a stranger. You may be the only person to smile at them and say a kind word.

I spent my weekend cooking. I fed 7 people. I fed neighbors who had nowhere to go. I was exhausted afterward, but it made my day to see the smiles on their faces. They brightened my day as much as I did theirs.  So go about your day, looking for someone to cheer up. 

Have a fabulous day.

Kathy Keller
Writer and Prayer warrior with Answers2Prayer Ministries
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