New Beginnings

Mary’s Monday Musings

New Beginnings

            Time was running out. I was suppose to check in at a church office near a small Maryland village to receive instructions for the church’s women’s meeting that evening as well as directions to our host for the night. Our usually reliable GPS was struggling with our rural destination. Finally, when we approached the intersection of two roads with fields on all 4 corners, the machine had what I called a nervous breakdown. In rapid fire, the voice directed us to turn left, turn right and go straight all at the same corner. Bewildered, we stopped and turned off the machine before turning on our cell phone to get directions, but the office answering service answered. Eventually, our old fashioned map guided us to the church minutes before the office closed, and we were able to reach the meeting destination in time.

 

When the clock runs out on 2014, we have a wonderful opportunity to turn off patterns that bring confusion to our lives and turn to old fashioned methods of finding direction–prayer and repentance. By talking to God before we make decisions or yield to impulses, we find our way better in daily life. If there is one New Year’s resolution that will bring us joy more than any other, it is a determination to keep our heart and mind focused on God. When we talk with Him in prayer, He hears us and nudges us toward whatever changes will bring our lives into line with patterns He can bless. When we tell Him we are sorry for our mistakes, we will discover His destination for us is one of remarkable peace. Centering our lives on Jesus is a decision that brings good direction to our lives. Loving God opens our understanding to His amazing mercy and grace. God, help us focus our heart and minds to enthusiastically love You in 2015.