The Beginning of a New Beginning
January for me is always a time of introspection.
Amazing isn't it, how a turn of the calendar page is met with such optimism and new opportunity? Jan. 1 is just another day yet such a significant one. 
The first Sunday in January is coming up this weekend. Why not set a course for those you lead that is positive, upbeat and filled with promise.
First, though, set a course for your personal ministry. Let me, from my own experience, share some thoughts with you:
- Identify where you failed in 2007. Take a moment to reflect on why you failed, and what God taught you, then shake it off and go forward.
- Consider where you succeeded in 2007. Take a moment to reflect on why you succeeded, then shake it off and go forward. Do not let pride or arrogance follow you into the new year.
- Develop a good habit. It will take at least 30 days for a new behavior to become a habit. One new habit I would suggest is getting up 30 minutes earlier and filling the time with worship, study and thanksgiving.
- Become a mentor, and/or find one for yourself.
- Pick at least six books you wanted to read last year but never did. Start reading one today.
- Look at yourself in the mirror and say, "I am God's creation. I am beautifully and wonderfully made. In His providence God called me into His world as a shepherd of the flock, a spouse and a parent. I will be faithful to that call. I will not allow defeat or criticism to destroy my passion for ministry. I will attempt to prove myself faithful each day of 2006 .. and if I fail, I will call on God for help and do better the next day."
I believe in you, my colleague! May 2008 be filled with the kind of serendipity only God can bring into your life.
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:19)
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