Reflection Story

I read this story some time ago and wondered to myself how possible it is that individuals, in effect, do the same thing with those in our lives that we are separated from in one way or another, literally or emotionally.  Our well wishing carries with it a double meaning, namely, I (suppose) I wish you a happy future…but only for the next year.  The beginning of a new year is indeed an arbitrary mark on the calendar, but on the other hand, it can be a time of new beginnings.  Generally speaking, we should be able to reconcile with others at any time, but the beginning of a new year can be a time to follow through on such things.  On a practical level, science tells us that we live longer and happier lives when we live at peace with the most people possible.  I have said this before, but it bears repeating, when Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment, he replied that it was to love God and your neighbor and yourself.  It is virtually impossible to genuinely "love" others until we first know how to love ourselves.  Psychologists tell us that it is nigh unto impossible to actually love others if we do not or cannot love ourselves.  God allows us to love and respect ourselves; God allows us to forgive ourselves and, in turn, to forgive and love others.

Christianity is not only a religion.  It is a practice as well.  We add a terrible burden to our daily lives when we carry resentment for anything or anyone.  Consequently, we may live our lives wishing others good will but only for a while, only for a year, which belies our true feelings of negativity.  Someone once said that it matters not so much whether there is a Satan roaming our earth causing ill-will and chaos, but it serves the same purpose if there are those who, in effect, do Satan’s bidding on a personal level or a global scale.

I encourage you to make it a daily practice to live from the inside out, to love and share from the inside out, to allow your love for yourself and God to move into the lives of others.  Practicing good deeds and characteristics such as patience, love, peace, and joy eventually become who you are.  We naturally operate out of these sweet pools of God’s fruits of the Spirit. 

And so next time you wish someone a Happy New Year, let go of any sort of silent thought or feeling that creeps in, which is in any way negative or vengeful.   And with that, I wish you a Happy New Year!

Pastor Gary