It’s all about the do-overs

It's a new year, Oh Boy.

Why all the fuss?

Yesterday, as Howard and I drove through the rain, we talked about why we each could take New Years' hoopla or leave it. 

He's not convinced.
I'm a little more convinced.

It's not the parties or champagne that get me excited for the New Year celebrations.

Parades are nifty, but they aren't it either.

And I like putting on my stilettos, black dress, and sass as much as most girls, but there is something better about the new year that has my little heart jumping.

It's the do-overs.

In a year where we walk and run; fall and falter; fail and find freedom, the passing of the old year marks 365 days of being human…sometimes all too human.

The new year reminds us of the grace we're given by the calendar we keep – the seasons and hours that – though not returned to us or recycled – lay before us.

We don't have to be perfect.

We get do-overs.

We are extended grace and we get to offer grace to others.

phew.

Though calendars are human inventions, seasons are gifts from God of which we have zero control. 
We just get to receive them – each hour and minute and second and heartbeat an opportunity.

Even with our goals and resolutions – our best efforts fail.
The wind blows.
The news crushes.
The alarm goes off and we roll over and snore a little more.

We need grace.
We need the do-overs that each new year affords.
Or the do-overs that each new year reminds us exists in every moment and every life.

Great news, pals. 

We don't have to wait for a calendar or celebration to lay down our sorrows.
We can get on it right now.
Laying down the last year's funk
and embracing the hope of an unseen God.

Spoke out of turn last year?
Made craptacular decisions in 2012?
Stepped out on your hope…your family…your integrity over the past 12 months?

Good news!

This God we can't see, but moves like the wind wrapping around us and blowing off the chaff of the dead old days – He offers the ultimate in do-overs.

And if you call on him-whether you understand or not or are "all in" or just testing the waters – He will show up.

He promised he would.

He promised to never leave nor forsake you.
He promised that if you call upon him, he will not ridicule or berate you.
He promised to lead you in a way that brings peace, hope, and honor.

And in this season of looking back and looking ahead, you can rest in this hope: you do not live this life alone.

We travel together.

If you promise to tell me if my zipper is down, I promise to tell you when you're trailing t.p. from your shoe.

We're family; it's what we do.