A National Holiday of Grace
I usually think of New Year’s with a certain amount of indifference. What is the big deal anyway? Isn’t it just an artificial time to pretend to be happy, and get in some time drinking and waiting for the magic moment when we start anew?
But wait… how can I be cynical about any chance to celebrate a new beginning? Isn’t that what we all need most of all?
Last week I got a note from a person whom at one time, I considered a good friend. Our friendship ended over a disagreement about some issue in the church, and we haven’t contacted each other since then. Suddenly, an email arrived expressing regret, asking for forgiveness and the chance of reconnecting as friends. Perhaps this was startling to me because it seldom happens.
Why should I be surprised when Grace enters our lives? Jesus said, “Behold, I am doing a new thing.” And he added, “I make all things new again.” How easy it is for me to settle into the same old ruts and life with low expectations. While all time the Lord wants to do something new in me and sometimes even through me.
So maybe I need to rethink New Years. We need a national holiday devoted to the celebration and recognition that God is doing a new thing! “Like a shoot out of the dry ground.” This is what grace can be for our lives. A surprise burst of new life, hope and joy where and when it is least expected.
So I wrote back to my friend and said, “Of Course! Let’s begin a new friendship.”
After all it is New Years isn’t it?
on January 16th, 2009 at 4:33 am
Always expect the unexpected. Thanks for the uplifting thoughts around the New Year – especially mentioning the same old ruts and low expectations. It is easy to lose sight of hope of change ever happening. Happy New Year John.
on March 2nd, 2009 at 5:00 am
John, it is a New Year! –we have found you and we would like to be added to your list of friends. WCPC is not the same but knowing that we can still hear your words puts joy in our hearts. Susan and I look forward to the day we can hear you in person, you don’t know how much you meant to us. We will pray for your ministry and the opportunities God has provided for you.
Don and Susan Randall