as we hung out last night around the fire pit with mark and gina, we were talking about how we always wish others a happy new year. in fact, most new-year's cards, songs, and notes reference a “happy, prosperous new year.”
i’m usually not one to over analyze or sweat the small stuff… after all it’s just a traditional phrase that most say without really thinking about it. but the more we talked about it the more I started thinking how crazy it is, at least from a biblical standpoint.
Jesus called us to give our lives away in order to gain life. he taught that real joy and growth comes through sacrifice and suffering. he taught that this life is too short to live for ourselves… seeking earthly happiness, prosperity, and personal gain.
personally I can say that giving up worldly pursuits for eternal ones has brought a greater joy than I could have ever imagined. while by no means I consider myself a martyr, I am learning that the real “happiness” comes through generosity, giving, loving others, and ultimately through sacrifice.
as we sat there around the fire I caught my self strangely staring into it for a while (we all do that when sitting around a fire, right?). i thought about the passage in isaiah that talks about being refined through the fire of affliction – and how i should apply that to my hopes/dreams for the upcoming year.
if God gives you a prosperous 2011, may you use it to bless others who are less fortunate. and if He brings happiness your way in 2011, may it come refined by fire - through challenges and even suffering.
may your 2011 be full of service, generosity, sacrifice and love.
Have a Sacrificial and Challenging New Year!!
3 comments:
This really spoke to me and it couldn't be more true. I pray that I will be more generous and giving in 2011.
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