new beginnings

Have I Loved Enough?

/ inkspeare
Photo by M.A.D.

As the holiday season approaches, and nature prepares for a deep sleep, I reminisce about the year and mentally review what transcurred, blessings and challenges considered. I cannot help but feel a sense of gratitude and humility, hope as well. Reviewing these events brings me a sense of grounding, but I also think of what I could have done better. I realize that at times, I should extend a bit of kindness to myself as to others. The hopeful outlook and anticipation of the new year set the stage for receiving what will be, whether challenging or not. One thing I ask myself is, have I loved enough this year? I realize the answer to that question will always be, “you can love more.” That is true for everyone. We can always extend our kindness and love more, each time being more understanding of others and less judgmental. Over the years, I have understood that I must strive to love everyone, whether I agree or disagree with their lifestyle or life choices.

God loves everyone the same, and I am not better in His eyes than another of His children. Yes, He doesn’t love me more. The same love He has for me, He has for the drug addict, the prostitute, the murderer, the rapist, the witch or the devil worshipper. In His eyes, they are also His children, and He wants them to come home to Him. His arms are always open for the ones who ask for forgiveness. Once I “understood” the immensity of His love for all His creation, I learned another dimension of love and kindness, one that is not so quick to judge, one of humility and understanding. It is under that humble approach that I ask myself, “Have I loved enough this year?”

Love and Light

New Beginnings – Left Behind

/ inkspeare
Photo by M.A.D.

A new year is just around the corner. The past two years have been difficult for almost everyone around the world. Each country with its own challenges. I usually like to focus on a theme (a word or phrase) during the new year. This year, it will be New Beginnings. My attention to whatever I do will be centered around it. For me, new beginnings mean leaving behind many things that don’t serve growth. I have decided to leave fear behind – fear that is being promoted all over this planet, and behind I will leave the shadow of Covid as well. I refuse starting a third year in this way. I refuse to be controlled by media, and giving in to doom and gloom. I think it is time to reevaluate many things in my life and household, and take a hold of the reins.

God has not called us to live our lives in fear, but instead, He gave us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline (2Timothy 1:7). Two years of doom and gloom everywhere you look takes a toll on people; it breaks people’s spirits. I am not on board with it. One has only to look at free countries that have turned into dictatorships of fear and its citizens under it. God did not intend for us to live that way. He gave us free will for a reason. If the Creator of everything gave you freedom, who is man to take it away? Think about that. In a fallen world, Jesus came to give you back what had been taken away from you (and this is my perspective as a Christian). If He was willing to die for us, who is man to take it away? I realize that I don’t have to let anyone influence my days, and that I can decide how I wake up in the morning and how I live that God-given day. I can focus on the blessings, beauty, or not. Free will is about that as well. I am excited about this new year because I want to be, and I am looking forward to new beginnings, with God’s blessing. I wish for you a beautiful and loving year and a fresh start as well, with all the blessings that God meant for you.