A New Perspective

On New Year's Eve we finally decided to turn on the TV at about 11:55 to at least watch the ball drop. As I sat and watched the enormous crowd in NYC, I looked at my husband and said "It's just another day." Now I know I risk sounding like a "party pooper," but bear with me. Trust me, I'm all about parties and fun, but this past Tuesday I was just thinking from a different perspective.

I wondered after "It's just another day" fell out of my mouth, why I had said those words. I considered the fact that I might just be getting "old" or that when you have kids who need to go to bed it limits your late night partying abilities... But the final conclusion I came up with was way better than those.

The thought that came to mind is that I'm finally realizing God provides constant joy. December 31st gives opportunity for many to try to "forget" all the junk from the previous year and look forward to a fresh start, hoping things will be much better in the new year. I, too, have thought at the end of the year how much better I will do with something the next year or how I wished certain things would change. Those thoughts are natural, but this time I felt a little more content.

2013 will forever be a mile marker in my life. I've experienced God in many ways and how He has worked on me has not always been comfortable. I've shed many tears about how I want things only to be reminded by God that I must always trust Him. I'm trying to focus more on God's never changing, never failing love and presence. Situations are not perfect and not always the way I think they should be, but God NEVER changes. If I rely on other people, my expectations, or certain situations to provide me joy, I'm depending on the wrong things and I will always end up being disappointed. I am trying to change my perspective and when things aren't just how I think they should be, I remember that the only constant in my life and the only source of true peace and joy comes from God.

I challenge you to reflect on 2013 with a mission to uncover His constant joy despite good or bad circumstances. Throughout 2014, remember the one constant you can depend on. Give it a try...

Kristen

Teen Leader