January is a time for fresh starts, renewed commitments and resolute undertakings geared towards making our lives more livable. Whether your intention is to impact some aspect of your physical, mental or spiritual self, the New Year offers numerous opportunities for us to "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past" and accept God's invitation to "See, I am doing a new thing!" (Isaiah 43:18-19).
In keeping with this month's emphasis on new beginnings, January's weekly readings will be taken from explorefaith's rich "Life Issues" section. We offer these reflections with prayers for you to experience God's peace now and always.
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There's an excited energy that flows through us when we're about to embark on a new adventure in life. Whether we're moving into a new house, starting a new job, returning to school, trading in the single life for marriage, or buying a new wardrobe, we're filled with hope and anticipation at what lies ahead. We're eager to step away from what was in order to claim what will be.
But when we move too quickly to a new beginning we can find our souls feeling uneven and choppy. It's as if we're trying to be in two places at once-we're animated about what is new, but we're not fully over what is old. In order for a new beginning to be all that it can be, we need to take the time that is necessary to complete our endings.
Tip to try:
When a new opportunity beckons you and your soul is filled with urgency and excitement, take time to mentally appreciate your current situation by making a list of the graces and blessings you are experiencing now.
A Prayer for Facing Temptation
Help me, Lord, to see when temptation is trying to cleverly captivate me. Give me the strength and fortitude to make choices for health and spiritual wholeness. Keep me faithful in my love for you and faithful to the wonder of being given the gift of life. I ask this for the sake of your love.
In coming to this faith, we leave the old "land" of attitudes and assumptions that were centered around ourselves, and have journeyed, sometimes with great difficulty, to the new "land" of hope and faith that God in Christ is the true center of the world.
