28 Dec Happy New Year!

Mike Glenn (Christianity Today) tells a story about when he learned the difference between wishing and wanting:

Several years ago I was playing golf with a very talented man. I stood up and hit my drive and like usual, the ball went way right of where I was aiming. While I was trying to watch my ball to see where it would come down, I heard my friend laughing.

Now, I don’t know if you know this, but it’s very rude to laugh at another player’s bad shot. It’s considered bad form. So, I asked my friend, “What are you laughing at?”

“I’m laughing at you,” he said. “Why are you laughing at me?”

“Because, he said, “you don’t do anything in your swing to make the ball go where you want it to go. You just stand up here and wish.”

Many Americans will make New Year’s Resolutions. The more popular ones are about losing weight, going to the gym, and reading the Bible. Most of them will be broken by Ground Hog Day. We may wish for change but not want it enough to do what’s necessary to bring it about.

One definition of insanity is to keep doing the same things over and over again while expecting different results.

You’ve heard me use this John Claypool quote before but it’s appropriate as we begin another year together: “Life is a Gift.”

I am not a resolutions person but I do want to have a greater appreciation for the blessings and gifts of family and friends this upcoming year. Looking back upon 2022, I can now say that many things occurred that none of us could have anticipated. These unexpected events added to the joys, sorrows, trials, and triumphs of the past year. I suspect the same will be true for 2023.

Let’s be grateful for life, and our shared life together as the people of God known as First Baptist Church Clinton. Happy New Year!–DC