Monday, January 2, 2012

All New Same Old

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Col. 3:17, HCSB).
Yesterday, the new year began as it ought, with worship. The preacher spoke of a "Land of New Beginnings." We prayed in song for open eyes, "We want to see Jesus." I hung a beautiful new calendar on the wall, appended a new number to the date in my journal, began a new list of books to read this year.

Today, though, the same old established routine resumes. The dryer buzzes, "Done!" The dishwasher churns loudly, grumbling of yet another load of plates and mugs and cereal bowls. Ebony drags walks me around the park. The grocery list lengthens.  The physical therapy equipment beckons. The list of remaining chores seems longer than the remaining hours.

I worship by offering my body again as a living sacrifice, a poor one though it is, but one God commands and deems acceptable through the blood of Christ.

And I offer thanks to the Ancient of Days, whose mercies are wondrously new every new year, who remains the same from of old. The words of Octavius Winslow call me to renew the same old gratitude habit in an all new year:
My soul! seek from God the spirit of thankfulness, and cultivate habitually the grace of praise. It is a soul-purifying and a God-glorifying grace. It keeps the heart in perpetual bloom, and converts the life into a daily psalm.
Resuming the list, then, let's worship God through gratitude for His many gifts:
~Himself, the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow cast by turning
~"Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies"
~the grace of Christmas and New Year's with family
~a few days off for Allen
~lovely new tea things from Allen
~a new hat from my sister (no photos yet, sorry)
~the high volume of 3 preschool nephews opening Christmas gifts
~a hushed neighborhood and house on New Year's morning, a truly quiet "quiet time"
~a strong admonition in the year's opening sermon to recommit to private prayer
~plentiful, tasty holiday food
~leaping into this leap year with a new book from Lisa's giveaway
~a new technology to learn
~grace enough for today
~this beautiful prayer at church, that God would "bathe us in His healing springs so that we might stand straight and tall." Yes, Lord. Amen.
(from the gratitude journal, #2568-2582)


5 comments:

  1. Praying for a wonderful new year for you, for me, for our journeys together in Christ. What a blessing to receive the "real" Christmas card from a real friend.

    Headed to the dryer myself. :-)

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  2. Happy New Year, Friend. I love and appreciate you so much.

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  3. tea things:) Such a good husband you have! I know, the tea is just the tip of the reasons why. January 9th?? Wow! I was due that day, but waited just a bit. It completely fits that we have such close birthdays. Three of my four bridesmaids are January birthdays. So interesting to me how that works. Also, will repeat the prayer from your church service on your behalf. Healing springs, yes.

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  4. A heart of gratitude becomes you, dear Christina. Happy New Year! May it be filled with many things for "the list."

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  5. "heart in perpetual bloom"--oh, this calls to me! I am needing strength to pick up the gratitude list again, so this is good inspiration. As a tea lover myself, I am smitten with your new gifts. Hooray for friends and family who support our love of tea :o). And what a gift it is to me to have my calendar counted as grace to you. Many blessings on you in this beautiful new year, wherever the road may lead.

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Thank you for sharing your day with me! Your presence here is a gift. *You* are a gift. Right now I am unable to reply to every comment, but please know I read and pray for each and every commenter. Grace and peace to you in Christ.