Sunset and Sunrise

   This evening the sun will set on 2019.  Tomorrow morning, God willing, the sun will rise on a new year.  There will be dinners and parties tonight celebrating the opportunities of the coming year.  Memories of this year and hopes and plans for the new year will be shared.  Resolutions will be made, most of which will be quickly forgotten.

   As a part of daily prayers an examination of conscience is important.  A time to review the day looking for the blessings of God and for the times we may have failed to follow His ways.  A time to thank Him for all He has done for us and to apologize and seek forgiveness for the times we’ve failed Him.  It doesn’t take long but it’s a very good way to grow in spirituality.

   It’s amazing how often the presence of God is evident in our life if we look for it.  It’s humbling to recognize how often we fail to live according to His will.  It’s encouraging and comforting to know that God forgives us our failings and desires to help us in our efforts to do better.

   As this year ends let’s look back over the past twelve months.  It’s good to evaluate our life; where we have been and where we plan to go.  If we are going to make resolutions, make those that will bring us closer to God.  Above all let’s resolve to love God with all our heart, our mind and our soul and our neighbor as ourselves.

Lord I turn to You in this new year.

I seek Your will in all I do.

Be with me I pray.

Guide me on my way home to You.

Amen