As we begin 2013, I want to wish all my readers and friends a Happy New Year!
I trust that you have all given warm New Year hugs and greetings to all the loved ones around as I have. I also believe that the different Telcos and social media served us well as our good will messages and prayers were speedily delivered to those the hugs could not reach. New years are beautiful because we are given the opportunity to birth new ideas, break new grounds and exceed expectations. 2013 is another opportunity to reach and record new mile stones in our lives, home, children, career, businesses and relationships.
Before I proceed, I would love to begin this year by thanking you all (my readers) for your support and for all the positive comments you have left on my blog. You all have really kept me writing and the comments you dropped have greatly inspired me. This blog has been a wonderful outlet for me, as I have had the opportunity to share my experiences, knowledge and opinion. I have also been immensely blessed through the numerous connections and relationship that was birthed and blossomed through this avenue. You all rock!!
As we begin another year, lots of resolutions, plans and goals are being made. I will love to share an insight by Rev. Mark H. Creech who wrote on making New Year resolutions differently. Pragmatically, he shares a humorous story about Phoebe, a 50-year-old widow from Beverly Hills. Phoebe suffered a heart-attack and was taken to Cedars Sinai Hospital.
During the time Phoebe was on the operating table, she had a near-death experience. She saw the Lord and asked, “Is this it?” God said, “No you have another 30 or 40 years to live.”
Upon recovering, she resolved that since she had 30 or 40 more years, she might as well make the most of the time she had remaining. So Phoebe stayed in the hospital and had a face lift, botox for her lips, liposuction, and breast augmentation. Phoebe even had someone to dye her hair.
After the last surgery, Phoebe walked out of Cedars Sinai lobby and a speeding ambulance ran over her. She died on the spot and appeared before the Lord again. Angrily Phoebe said, “I thought you said I had another 30 to 40 years?!” God replied, “Phoebe? I didn’t recognize you!”
There is a sense that God doesn’t recognize those who have vested their lives in things temporal at the expense of the eternal. On a number of occasions, Jesus taught that at the Judgment, He would say to many, “I tell you, I don’t know you. Go away, all you who do evil” (Luke 13:27).
And so at the start of this New Year, many will make New Year’s resolutions, unfortunately, most of them will in no way pertain to the soul. Most resolutions are likely to focus on matters such as losing weight, getting out of debt, improving one’s career, making new friends, improving self, etc. As a matter of fact, there is nothing wrong with these resolutions. But most of them will be made primarily out of selfish motives.
Take a turn from the usual new year resolutions made each year which are often self-focused; make resolutions that are also focused on enriching and blessing lives. Let this decision (if you choose to adhere) begin from those in your immediate cycle of influence (environment) – spouse, child(ren), friend, colleague etc. let it spread to the society .This year discover new ways to give back to your family,relationship and community/society.
This present world’s value system is not likely to recognize or laud this kind of life, even though its impact for good is immeasurable. Nevertheless, one thing is certain, God will. And on the last day He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23).
Let’s prioritize and make the most of the year. Build up yourself and also determine to give back. Givers never lack!
Do have a blessed and rewarding 2013. Welcome on board your best year ever!!
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