A Good Start

Lights on the tree, a football game on the tv, an almost finished book, and an empty mug; proof the new year is off to a great start. There is a puzzle my daughter completed today on the table beside me companioned by a pile of books to read as time is made. Much could be said concerning the coming year. It is certain that troubles will come and trials will fall. It is even more certain that the Lord our God will deliver us from them all.

Tonight, however, right now in this moment called now, there is beauty in the ordinary. Today has been a rare gift of ordinary living free of drama and excess noise from without. For this first full day of a brand new year there has been the blessed peace of slow living: books were read, magazines perused, simple meals cooked and eaten, a puzzle completed, holiday greetings written, and hot coffee savored in new mugs. An entire day was lived with absolutely no rushing to and fro laboring hard and long with little to show. For one entire day we rested and went slow.

Tomorrow is full of possibilities not yet known. Gentle tidying, strong stout tea, a putting away, a sorting of things both old and new, no matter what comes, we will get through. God's grace is real. It's true and strong. His love is deep; His mercies long.

Before tomorrow though there is tonight. One short hour of tonight remains. Tonight is the first night of a new year. Good night dear readers. Sleep well and rest sweet in the love of our Savior and Lord Jesus.

Shalom, Shalom

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