i've some catching up to do, i know...but with trying to learn a new computer system and all the holiday and post-holiday travel, i may never catch up with our december antics! so for now, i'll share my new year's day reflections.
there is a verse that has crept up with increasing frequency over the past few months. not that i haven't seen it before, or that it hasn't always been accessible, but i've finally taken note of it in an applicable manner. i have many friends who can quote verse after verse that hold personal depth for them...and can quote them offhand, at any time they need them as well. but i can't say that i have truly felt connected to a single verse in a long time. so here it is, and it has given me great peace in this journey we've been on since june:
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
simple enough, i know - but there is always a slight lessening of anxiety, a dissolving of tension in my neck and shoulders that i didn't even know was there - when i reflect on it. i hope it may do the same for some of you.
on a much less worshipful note, a friend of mine sent a quote to me today that summed up her new year's resolution. and it too, has spoken to me. as one who is driven by an inner demon (yes, while i acknowledge it can be useful, it is truly a demon at times too!!) to prove herself (to whom, i've yet to discover!), this makes me feel like success is a bit more attainable in my journey:
"to laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. this is to have succeeded!"
-ralph waldo emerson
i hope that you all have had moments of true joy this Christmas season, and that you are embracing the new year as one of possibility. I trust God has big plans for all of us.
with love, and wishes for a very happy new year -
Jana
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Jana, So surprised and glad to hear from you on my blog!! The verse - Jeremiah 29:11 - is one of the verses I used in teaching Sunday School yesterday! Love that verse! Hope everyone is doing well and I wish you all a blessed and Happy New Year!! Love, Aunt Kay
ReplyDeleteP.S. Glad to see your using your writing skills!