2018 is now history. We used the time that we were granted positively, negatively or more likely a mixture of both. This time of year affords us the opportunity to take stock of our lives and to make the necessary adjustments to live more effectively.
One of the traditions surrounding this time of year is the making of New Year resolutions! This is congruent with some of the mantras that are being touted. One of these is, “ Be the best possible version of yourself.” What I have observed is that this tradition appears to be on its way out. Persons are less inclined to make resolutions than in previous years. Perhaps this is owing to the failure rate as it pertains to such resolutions as dieting, losing weight and personal finances.
Allow me to offer some encouragement! Once we have prayerfully set a goal, we ought to work on a way to achieve that goal. Giving up is not an option! Changing strategy may be an option but not quitting. Information gathering, establishing support and accountability are amongst the things that are essential to success. Do not minimize these components!
What I consider to be the most important ingredient to success is what we can call the power source. The songwriter reminds us: “… Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Every hour He’ll give you power to go through.” In the arena of sports and athletics, the concept of following through is of paramount importance. Spirituality is often neglected as we pursue success in life. Determine not to make this mistake in 2019. Commit to our God. Commit to the task and follow through! Follow through by appropriating the power that He offers/supplies.
We may all be aware of Philippians 4:13, “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Here are some more: “With you [God]I can attack a barricade, and with my God I can leap over a wall” II Sam. 22:30. “Blessed be the LORD, my rock who trains my hands for battle and my fingers for warfare (Psalm 144:1). “He teaches my hands to make war, so that a bow of bronze is bent by my arms” (Psalm 18:34). It is all about God’s strength, God’s ability working in and through us… not ours!! How many times in your life have you tried to turn on an electrical appliance that was not plugged in? Why do we so often try to live lives pleasing to God in our own strength?
Many years ago the late Nurse Lucia Mitchell of St. Thomas, V.I. gave me a quote for the New Year. I could not find it, so therefore I am offering one with the same essence. “Look back, thank God. Look within, know God. Look around, serve God. Look ahead trust God.”
With God all things are possible. “The things that are impossible with men (humans) are possible with God” (Luke 18:27). Let the Carib Nation (CHS) resolve to be everything that He is calling us to be in 2019. He is our strength. We will triumph.
Blessings always,
Fr: Your servant, Chaplain Walton Frederick
Recent Comments