Today’s scripture: Isaiah 65:17-19 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Rev. Tammy Mills):
The first snow of the year is like a national holiday at our house, and this year was no exception!
We couldn’t believe our eyes when we got up that morning and it had really snowed! There was enough snow to actually play in! Everyone hurried to get on all the necessary “stuff” for snow play — gloves, boots, and snow pants. Once we were all bundled up we headed outside.
It is so amazing how snow covers everything and changes how we see everything! Suddenly your plain old yard is new again. It is like some magic transformed the world.
We wasted no time getting to the fun! Soon we had snowballs for our first snowperson of the year. Then we had the obligatory parents vs. kids snow ball fight, and of course parents win! Then came sledding down makeshift hills in the back yard. After a couple of hours we dragged ourselves inside. Everyone was cold to the bone, but happy.
There is a certain satisfaction to playing in the first snow of the year! It reminds my soul that, at least for a moment, everything is new again. I am anxious to explore all the new possibilities and opportunities.
I am looking to this New Year to be a bit like the first snow. On January 1 I have the opportunity to see things differently and to establish some new routines. These verses from Isaiah’s prophecy remind us that things can be new each day, and that joy is our gift if we choose it every day. New Year — like the new snow! This year will be the year of letting the old things go and watching my higher power create in me all things new!
Thought for the day: The calendar brings us a gift every new year — a chance to live differently. What stands in my way of embracing the new year like I embrace that first snow?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.