and a reminder to be careful…
The first day of a new year always brings a sense of cleanness and fresh dreams for me and this one is no different. But along with its energy comes a slight quiver of mystery and reluctance.
Mr. Sun has already cleared the horizon of the Florida panhandle and is peeking through the slatted bedroom window blind, coaxing me to enter into the activity of another day, but I am loathe to answer the call.
So far, this year has no mistakes in it; I’d love to keep it that way.
I tuck the covers under my chin and snuggle deeper into the bed my little granddaughter lent me for the last ten days.
Our Christmas vacation this year is an extended one since my benevolent husband agreed to spend his two weeks of vacation giving our daughter’s master bathroom a major overhaul.
He chose to bring his oldest clothes for the project, ones deemed unworthy for even the nastiest day of work at his regular job.
“They will be perfect to wear down there” he stated while stuffing them into the already full duffel bag. “It won’t matter if I get Red Guard on them, and I can throw them away when I’m done.”
I’ve learned that Red Guard, a super-sealant, is the bane of my laundry skills.
Murmuring an absent-minded “um-hum” to his logic, I jam clothes of my own into my rather tattered suitcase. My mind is already anticipating two weeks with my girls and grandkids.
Now here I lay, ten mornings later, the master bathroom remodel almost completed. In one corner of the bedroom sits a mound of faded shirts and raggedy, red-stained pants just waiting to be thrown away.
Getting rid of those old clothes seems so fitting for the season.
The old year was a lot like the stained and over-used clothes, with rough patches and growing pains that frayed my nerves. I’d like to put it behind me.
I don’t want to carry old baggage into the new year.
I wonder what the new year will hold. I already know there will be promises to keep, deadlines to meet, and projects to complete.
And hopefully, some dreams will also come to fruition.
The distinct scent of freshly perked coffee wafts into the room, making my nose twitch, and I roll over. Maybe I could be coaxed from my cozy nest after all.
I love me a good cup of coffee. Sipping the silky black liquid is part of my early morning routine, no matter where I am.
I especially love sharing my coffee routine with my daughter in her festive Christmasy living room. A smile emerges as I think of the cups of coffee she and I have shared over the years.
My next thought comes from somewhere other than myself.
“You don’t want to discard something just because it is old.”
Where did that come from? What does it mean?
I consider the bit of advice and realize it is true!
Some of life’s most beautiful moments are spent doing things I have done for years.
Like shared cups of coffee. Good conversation with a friend. Listening to another’s heart. Feeling the tug of a little hand my own.
Looking at old pictures and laughing over old memories.
Taking up the ancient Scriptures, marveling over the very old story of Jesus.
Remembering how, day by day, year after year, He has changed my life.
These are old things too, but I want to hang on them, for they are treasures that hold the true meaning and purpose of life.
Maybe you are thinking of sorting through some old things in your life. If so, sort carefully.
Old clothes. Old hurts. Old worries. It’s okay to let them go, get rid of them. They won’t help you in the coming year.
But as we set new goals and chase new dreams and aspirations for this year, let’s not forget that the best “new” ahead of us is only worthwhile if we hold on to a portion of the old.
May the old, familiar story of Jesus fill you with its sweetness and power as you walk into the new year ahead of you.
“Every disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things that are new and fresh and things that are old and familiar.” Matt. 13:52