Today’s scripture: Proverbs 17:22 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Carla Peck):
“Did the Twelve Pounds of Christmas Find You?” is the headline on an advertisement in the elevator where I work. I think it’s catchy and I can’t seem to erase it from my mind — so I will write about it! The slogan is a reality check, a wake up call, and a call to action to all who work in my building (and now to you, too.)
Perhaps the twelve pounds of Christmas is not a physical weight gain for you. Maybe it is a mental guilt gain (i.e. did I do enough, spend enough, spend too much, share enough enthusiasm and love with others, etc.). Now that we’ve been bombarded with advertising messages of “consume and indulge” for the past few months, it’s now the health enthusiasts’ turn at us asking us to “decrease” portion sizes and “increase” our muscle mass and heart rate.
I love the fresh start of a New Year and am particularly excited that this is also the start of the second decade of the Y2K millennium — a double fresh start! Not only can we renew and refresh in a new year, but also a brand new decade.
Renewing and refreshing is different for each of us. Some of us will set goals and lofty expectations, and even engage in competition to meet those goals. If we aren’t ready to commit to grand goals, perhaps we will ponder changes that will have a positive impact on us. Perhaps we will make a commitment to focus on the things that are most important to us. Perhaps we will make a commitment to determine what is most important to each of us. Perhaps we will find a renewed sense of focus. Maybe we can start by shedding the twelve pounds of Christmas, whatever form those pounds took. Maybe we can “decrease” the portion sizes of the unimportant things, the self destructive habits, the emptiness in our lives, and “increase” enthusiastically working towards increasing the muscle mass and heart rate of what each of us determines to be most important.
There are always going to be distractions to draw us from what is most important to us. This year (or even this decade) consider that the birth of Jesus at Christmas and the birth of Jesus in each of our lives at the start of this new year, can help us shed the “twelve pounds of Christmas” and lead us to what will renew and refresh us. Consider Jesus as a life coach spending time with you as you shed the twelve pounds of Christmas. Jesus is a life coach who will have your best interests in mind.
Thought for the day:
The Pastor, to my good friend Gaius: How truly I love you! We’re the best of friends, and I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health — that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul! I was most happy when some friends arrived and brought the news that you persist in following the way of Truth. Nothing could make me happier than getting reports that my children continue diligently in the way of Truth!
3 John 1:1-4
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.