As this year is closing and a new one is beginning, I found myself in a place of reflection. At the beginning of every year, I always try to start right. I have a list of things I want to accomplish during the year, but taking a long look at it all, I realize there were many things on my year’s to do list that I didn’t do. Some lost momentum early in this last year, and some I strived to accomplish right up to the very end. Like my daily to do list usually runs, I didn’t finish it all. I would have liked to have done a better job, but, alas, in many areas I failed.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 was brought to my mind this morning, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” The end is better. The patient in spirit is better. I caught myself in a cycle of focusing on the negative. So in my reflection, I am going to alter my focus from what I did not accomplish this year to what I did accomplish. This year was a good year. My health was so much better than the year before, and I am so thankful for that. What else was accomplished this year? I was more active, due to the fact I could walk without pain. I drew closer to the Lord this year. (That was one of the best things.) I experienced the love of family and friends. I grew closer to our members in our church family. I experienced joy. I laughed often. I hugged my kids every day. I fell deeper in love with my dear husband. All in all this year was lived well. First half of this verse accomplished. Second half of this verse I will have to work on. I surely do not want to be known as prideful, and I want to be more patient with myself and others. Sometimes I push myself too hard to do things rather than just be who God wants me to be. I think this might have to be up there on my list of “Things to Work On” this next year.
Also in my quest to come up with a 2012 to do list, I need to stop and realize though another year is closing it is not the end of it all. Until I leave this world or the Lord comes back to get us, I will still be moving forward. My work on earth is not yet completed; there is more to accomplish for Him. So no matter how I started, I can definitely finish strong with God’s help. I can be a better Christian with God’s help. At the end of 2012, may the end be better than the beginning.
Thank you Amy… I appreciate your honesty and transparency – such a good reminder to focus on what WAS done or positive last year! Puts all the other in perspective
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you Rebecca! I hope you had a good year also. I can honestly say I am a work in progress. I am so thankful God doesn’t give up on me. Blessings to you!
Thank you for sharing that verse, I hand’t noticed the patient part before. It is very powerful! And being patient starts with taking the pressure off YOURSELF . . . God is infinitely patient with us, His mercies new every morning.
Amy,
A very blessed and Happy New Year to you and your family!
we sent you an email not too long ago, but we were wondering if the e-mail address is still correct and/or if you even received it?
Much love and (((HUGS)))
God’s Grace.
Thanks, Paula for coming by. My patience is a work in progress. I am glad for God’s patience. Blessings.
Corry, I’ll ask Gordon If he got an e-mail. May God richly bless you this year.
Beautiful post, Amy
‘The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit’ resonates so well with me right now, as that is the place I SO want to be. Thank you for sharing your heart. Give our love to your family!