New Year, New You!

I don’t know about you, but I love the New Year. Such a “clean slate” to try new projects, re-commit to goals and a fresh new calendar to color-code with all of our activities! =)

What is it about a fresh start that gets people so excited? They can forget their past mistakes. They can throw away that old worn out, scratched up calendar and get a cute new one with a pretty design. New just feels nice, doesn’t it?

The New Year is about forgetting the past, moving beyond our mistakes, our failures and our regrets. THIS is the time to take advantage of, and THIS will be my chance to succeed.

The New Year is similar to being a Christian, except our lives with Christ are renewed daily (even hourly) as we fall into sin. There is never a scratched up, worn out record holding us back. God sent Jesus to wipe away ALL our sins. (Even our unfinished resolutions.)

as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us
Psalm 103:12

So, this month I find myself thinking about Christ’s forgiveness and how wonderful it feels to be “brand new” in Him everyday.

I’m sure we as moms have our moments when it is hard to forget a past wrong. Maybe it was a way someone betrayed us, or maybe it was something we did and feel guilty about. But, GOD is perfect and He has a perfect memory. He knows what has happened from the beginning of time to the end of time, yet He chooses to “remember their sins no more”. What a forgiving and loving Father!

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more
Hebrews 8:12

I bet what doesn’t get people excited about the New Year is the long road ahead. Is anyone actually looking forward to trying to do a new exercise routine three times a week for 52 weeks? Probably not, because it’s a long road and seems impossible. Does that mean that since we know another New Year is coming, that it’s okay if we let go of our goals? Let our priorities slide? No! Just like we should not choose to sin, simply because God extends His forgiveness to us.

We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
Romans 6:2

Although it’s not possible to stay away from sin completely. And it may not be feasible to exercise every day this year. It does not mean we don't try. Every day you have a choice. (Do I buy that new sweater because it’s on sale and I deserve it, or do I put that money towards my goal of paying off that credit card debt?)

So, my prayer for each of us is we take advantage of the opportunity before us. Both with the New Year and the goals we have for our lives; and also with the example of letting go of past mistakes. Forgiving others (and ourselves) to really make this year the best yet!