Don't just aspire to be better in the month of January, strive to do so for the rest of the year.
Welcome to the very first post of the year 2021! I trust that you all had a wonderful holiday and that you are settling into the new year well.
Since I live in northern Indiana, we get a lot of snow especially during this time of year. And within the last several days, we've had quite a bit of snow and even some ice.
In the beginning, its all beautiful, especially if you're indoors. However after a few days and an increase in temperature, the once beautiful fresh snow is no longer fresh or beautiful, but instead looks more like a muddy mess.
In a way, the snow this past week reminded me of what our lives are sometimes at the beginning and the end of the year.
In the beginning, we write down our goals, resolutions and aspirations for the new year, attend services faithfully, begin our Bible reading journey, perhaps even start some workout/healthy eating regimen etc. Unfortunately, for some of us, the month doesn't even end before the new goals, aspirations, commitments become a thing of the past.
How do we stay beautifully fresh all throughout the year? Lets look at three ways to do so.
1. Cultivate [take care of] the new growth.
A lot of times, as we approach year end, a lot of us spend time reflecting on areas we failed and then, we make new goals for the upcoming year. For the first few days and maybe even first few months, we try to keep up with the goals resolutions we've made. However, they never seem to last.
The truth is the new growth has to be cared for. Like a plant, you have to water, feed and care for it especially during the new growth stage.
Currently, most of us have new growth [especially since we're trying to do things right due to the new year]; but like a plant, it needs to be cared for tenderly and consistently. To do so, you have to abide in Christ daily [a prayerful and Bible reading life].
John 15:4 states "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me." Only Jesus can provide you with the necessary tools and nutrients you need to care for this new growth. No amount of will power or personal strength, determination or planning alone is sufficient for the new growth to last.
2. Consistency is key.
One thing I've learned in the last few years is that: both the beginning and ending are equally important to God. In other words, how you start and end matters to Him.
Psalm 1: 2 - 3 states "But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
In order to keep the beginning fresh and end with the same amount of freshness, you have to be consistent. I can't take care of my houseplants one week and ignore them the next and expect them to thrive. The same principle applies to our lives. Don't just aspire to be better in the month of January, do so for the rest of the year!
3. Patience is a must.
I do not know of any seed that becomes a mature plant a day after it is sown in soil. It takes patience, time, lots of care before maturity. Same thing can be said about our lives. The dreams and goals you've just planned out are going to take time. Be consistent in your growth, but also be patient with the time in-between.
The time in-between refers to the slow, painful, difficult or challenging times, when its easier to quit than to stay and keep going.
Romans 5:3 - 4 states: "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope..."
Tribulation in this verse can be interpreted to mean going through pressure, anguish and or troubles.
Conclusion
As I conclude today's post, I'd like to say that staying beautifully fresh all year long is achievable; but is also hard work. It requires a lot of care, consistency and patience that will come when you are abiding in Christ!
Please understand, I'm struggling just like you; but also hoping and working to achieve a life like this in the year 2021.
I pray that your desire in 2021 is to stay beautifully fresh in Christ!
Prayer Guide:
Ask the Lord to help you take care of the new growth, be consistent and practice patience all year long starting today.
Stay Blessed!
❤
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