New Year Thoughts--2017

How important are you?  What significance does your life hold?  My belief is that every life is important and results in consequence.  Those consequences are not temporary and Earthbound but hold significance eternally. These are my scattered thoughts beckoning in the New Year.

As we look back on our lives while plunging into 2017, how rewarding to have memories of what good we may have been able to bring into the world. That visit to an ailing friend, the kind words said to a chance acquaintance, the gift of appreciation shown to others who have been kind and generous to us are brief examples of adding goodness ​​to our lives and the lives of others.

 Do not discredit yourself for small acts of kindness.

You see, I truly believe that every decision we make may have huge consequences. For each decision we enact develops our character—molding and shaping it into an everlasting unit of energy. It is when one errs, by making the decision to lie or to perform deeds of evil, that the soul is darkened. How often can one darken his or her soul without resulting harm to oneself, to others?

For sure, there are endless gradations of opportunity for all striving to achieve success in life.  Potential opens each new day.  The effort of developing one’s character is not dependent upon external trappings, events, or station in life. Each individual’s character will manifest itself whether he or she is arrayed in rags or riches. Eternally, outward circumstances have no meaning.

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Yet, it is disheartening to learn of all the dishonesty, greed and bigotry in government and individuals. What is their destiny? Perhaps Mahatma Gandhi says it best: “ When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it—always.”  

In the New Year of 2017, instead of making resolutions, one might try an approach to character growth. Making decisions based on love, honesty and truth can sometimes be onerous, but knowing the veracity of your decision, the burden is lightened and the spirit enriched.

Small, even tiny decisions develop our character.  It is how one is remembered. It is what one carries to present to our Maker. What can each of us do to succeed in the quest for character development? There are many verses in the Bible to help. Such as: Psalm 119:9 “How can a young man (or woman) keep his (or her) way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.”  May your New Year be full of wise decisions!

©Ann Rains   January, 2017