Well, my Friends, if you’re reading this blog, then I’d say “We made it!” We have survived what will go down in history as one of the worst years ever – 2020! It was the year that kept on getting worse and worse until the very end – when hope arrived. It arrived in the form of a vaccine (Thank you, President Trump!) that will hopefully stop the spread of this horrible virus. It also arrived with the holiday season – in the form of kindness. I saw strangers reaching out to help those who needed food for Christmas dinner, clothes and toys to make the little ones smile, and aid for the elderly who needed help with their electric or water bill. At the Current River Sheltered Workshop, we have been swamped with donations. People are so generous. Out of their abundance, they gave, and we appreciate it so much. I believe that most people are GOOD!
When I woke up this morning, I laid in bed thinking about what I needed to do better in 2021. I kept thinking about Peter’s admonition to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18). I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to “keep the main thing – the main thing.” That’s my New Year’s Resolution! I don’t know about you, but I am easily distracted! (I can’t tell you how many conversations Steve and I have had since I sat down to write this blog!) Being a Christian and “letting my light shine” should be “the main thing!” I spend too much time and energy doing things that are not helping me mature as a Christian. I need to spend more time in The Word. I need to continue to “write on my heart every word” by doing my daily Scripture writing. I need to spend more time in prayer. I need to reach out to others and share “the Good News.” I need to “watch” what I watch on TV, what I read, and what I listen to on the radio. When “garbage” goes in – guess what will come out? Garbage! For “what goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them” (Matthew 15:11).
I pray that each of you will have a very happy 2021. May you live this year in such a way that if God calls you home, angels will escort you to paradise. Oh, how we are simply blessed, Courtney
Thank you, Courtney, for your insights and encouragement. I pray that God will continue to bless you and those you love, including the church your husband serves and the Workshop you oversee. Barb Paton
Thank you so much, Barb! I appreciate you!
Very good–and timely!! GREAT THINGS TO THINK ABOUT!!