As we embrace a new year, most of us start something new or stop doing something with a New Year’s resolution. Have you ever considered reading the Bible more or reading through the Bible in the coming year?
As we put away the Christmas decorations and the hustle and bustle for another time in the coming year, it’s a season of reflection for me. I’m childlike in my Christmas enthusiasm, the decorations, and gift-giving. I spend hours and hours contemplating what to buy others and anticipating reactions. The holiday season for me is exhausting. You’d think that once it was over and the decorations were placed in their boxes in the attic I would be relieved that it’s over. Instead, my heart is sad that it’s over.
During the holiday season, people are kinder, more generous, more thankful, and more jolly. As soon as Christmas is over, it feels like the kindness and generosity stops. It’s almost like those things are packed away with our Christmas decorations. This year, I challenge you to live out a year of gratitude and kindness. Gratitude starts in our hearts and minds with the phrase, “I am thankful for…”. For eleven months out of the year, we seem to lose sight of all that we have been blessed with. We pack away our thankfulness as we drag out the Christmas lights, because who could be thankful for a tumbleweed of lights?
Being kind shouldn’t be only during the holidays. Kindness truly is so contagious. We were smiling and asking about the store clerks’ day and being considerate and taking a new mom a meal or simply holding the door for someone. But then in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we disregard basic manners. May we each strive to do one simple act of kindness each day, wouldn’t the world be better with a little more kindness being spread?
Ephesians 4:32 NLT
Let’s work together in holding one another accountable in this new year.
Happy 2024 to you and your family!
What one thing can you do today to start the new year off?
What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year (it can be anything)?
What is your word of the year or new year’s resolution?
I don’t make resolutions bcz they never seem to stick. So I just strive to be a better person every day. I always try to be kind because so many times I’ve had horrible things done to me.
Kindness is so important. I hope that your day is blessed, Cindi.