The Beach in January
It’s the place to be on January 3rd. I am, however, not there and not anywhere near the ocean. Darn! I’m still putting away Christmas decorations and reflecting on 2018.
Realistic Reflection
Out in front of each one of us is a brand new year, as limitless as the mighty ocean. Out there, too, (at least in this photo) are vast cliffs rising in the distance and unseen perils in the water’s depths. Closer still are rock formations. I like the big, dark profile of a gorilla at the left; do you see it? I’m liking how it seems to be looking soulfully out to sea. And what about the open-mouthed ghoul in the lower right corner?
Wild Imaginings
Edifices, idols, lies—wild things are positioned to rob the potential that’s right in front of our eyes. The future. When I think of what’s in store for 2019, I can’t help but reflect on 2018. It is the one I looked forward to with wonderment about this same time last year! Setting goals, lifting hopes, offering in prayer to God the year ahead, are all part of my day every January 1st.
Laugh Out Loud
The first time I ever read the Bible verse Proverbs 22:13 I definitely got a kick out of the implication: “There is a lion out there. If I go outside, I might be killed in the streets!” So obvious was the reference to the sluggard that was too lazy to even step out into the world, the future. Excuses. They are so quick to rob us of opportunity.
Boogie Bear Scare
According to Brian Tracy, “The payoff for setting goals and making plans is being able to choose the kind of life you want to live. So why do so few people set goals? According to the best research, less than three percent of Americans have written goals, and less than one percent review and rewrite their goals on a daily basis.” Maybe we get distracted by the ridiculous—the threatening “gorilla” that’s off to the left, the ghoul that’s is over on the right, the lion in the street.
Wide Open
It doesn’t require a beachfront to absorb the majesty and strength that is out there today, tomorrow, and in the future that God opens up. He takes our weaknesses into consideration and in spite of them, offers abundant life. Revelation 3:8 says “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” Can you see it? Or are distractions getting the best of you?
Good Quotes
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear.” — Rosa Parks
“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.” — Dalai Lama
“If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” — Thomas Edison
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