HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYBODY!

I don't know what day you're reading this, but today happens to be January 1, 2017.

As I sit here reflecting on the events of this past year, I cannot help but feel a deep sense of peace and gratitude. In all honesty, I haven't been in the best mood on this rainy Sunday. It's just one of those days. So I'm thankful that writing this is shifting my attitude and allowing me to look back on the good and bad of 2016, realizing that both held blessings (whether they were recognized as such at the time they occurred).

I know there must have been pain, loss, and mistakes in the lives of many within the last year, so it's nice to be turning a page and looking forward at a clean, 365-day slate. I know that the result of this pain and loss most likely resulted in anger, sadness, depression, and maybe even bitterness or shame.

I'm here to tell you that it's going to be okay.

Alright, I'm sure you're thinking something along the lines of it's going to be okay? How cliché. How in the world is that supposed to help?

I know because I've been there. Maybe some of it in 2016, the rest in other years. But nonetheless, I know what it feels like to lose a loved one. To lose a friendship or a relationship. To move several times. To question myself or my worth or who to trust or what to believe or how to go through life when it seems like every day is a struggle. To go through tough stuff.

Although it may feel like it, you're not alone.

I'm also here to tell you some more good news. A little bit of perspective.

Look at a spark, and see how a fire catches when enough sparks, or simply the right spark, have lit the tinder, which then light the kindling. Thus, a fire is started from just a spark.

This can work the first time, or it can work the fourth time. Or the fifteenth time. Okay, I think you get the point.

Long story short, I have learned to look at life's trials and events that are more like wake-up calls as sparks.

Faith in Jesus is a fire. It consumes you. Once you know him. Once you really know him and understand what he's done for you and how he's covered you in grace when you actually deserve death, you have a choice to make. And if you ask me, it's an obvious choice. Follow him or be separated from him forever.

To follow him is to have faith in who he says he is, the Son of God. And from there, turn, repent from our wicked ways to follow his footsteps in how he loves, how he lives, how he worships the Father.

For some of us, it only takes one spark. One mistake. One depression. One difficult season of life, to bring us to the point of surrender. For others, like myself, it takes many. It took a lot of pain and a lot of loss. It took time to surrender bitterness and hurt, shame and pride, anger and control. Although I can't tell you that God caused any of the negative events of my life, I can definitely tell you He used them for good. And looking back, I wouldn't change a thing. Although it wasn't fun at the time, I am grateful that my Father loves me enough to bring me to the edge, to the point of surrender, in order to win my heart. He knew what it would take.

Sparks and surrender. What sparks have fallen into your life that have called your attention? Are they pointing you to give something or someone up? To open your eyes to the greater picture? Let go of whatever is holding you back and allow the fire of faith to catch in your life. Trust that Jesus won't let you down, no matter what hard times may come this year or in the years to come.

May 2017 be your best year yet.

Blessings,

Courtney