A NEW Year, Oh Dear…

We all have responsibilities…some self-imposed; most circumstance-required. Our children, our jobs, our mates…lots of responsibilities are heaped upon us daily. Then comes January 1.

All day from opening eyes to dark, the voice of duty whispers. “What you do today, dear self, determines the direction for the next 364.” “Make it count!” “Eat better, lose weight, study consistently, clean out your closets and that messy garage/basement, EXERCISE!” How can a DAY have such sway?

The whispers of duty and determination increase in volume! “Write on your sleepy blog, for Heaven’s sake!” So here it is. Just a little blurb about this day; about life and responsibility.

The Good Book says that to whom much is given, much is required. So now God joins the choir of January 1 as higher duty calls the responsible Christian deeper.

While sharing a joyous visit with distant family one day this holiday season, the dreaded question broke through the mundane: “Are you still writing?” Oh my! Talk about a conversation stopper! To a writer, that question stings like no other especially when the answer is a clear, ‘No.’

Shame motivates or discourages. Which one depends on current mental conditions, and personal choices. We can be motivated, or suffer the regret of no motivation. That is a personal choice more profound on January 1 than any other day.

So, welcome to this year, dear self. Will you listen as the whispers become songs of victory? Or will you continue to wallow in the discouragement of 2018?

When the ‘victory’ belongs to Jesus and not the self, joining the choir is a natural result. So sing on New Year, I welcome the responsibilities you bring and pray for determination to fulfill them.