– Scripture:

                What This Year Could Hold

Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?

                             Hebrews 13:5–6 MSG 

– Reflection:

One of my cousins, who is more like a brother, loves for all of us to come together like my Dad did. Family gatherings are great and so much fun, but we can’t only hold our gifts for family; they weren’t given to us for only family. There are so many lost people in the world who don’t believe in themselves or anything that needs us as lights to shine to show them the way. Family gives us the strength to move forward and continue being what the world needs to see to offset the evil in the world. These family functions are becoming far between, and I agree we need to do more; I make my pilgrimages to family members when I can, showing my face, giving encouragement where I can, and helping with what I can while I can. Writing these conversations that I have internally and ending with a prayer is a way of me traveling to each of my family and those new to Christ. Family in whatever form is going to get you to the following stages of where GOD wants you. Not acquiring more things, experience family this next year and honor them even in those uncomfortable spaces and conversations. They are only being who they are and how they grew up. If you have a different light, show that to them and allow them to see.

Where do we go from here?

Moving into a more mature adulthood with responsibilities of opening restaurants, starting practices, and opening businesses; there may be a few family members left behind as the work begins. Making an effort to show up and be there for one another in special moments, no matter how small, is key. No, we can’t all hang out as we did as children when we were all close together. We can, however, be there for the moments that matter to them, no matter how small or big. So what you may have to stand in the background is that you are there for them in their moment, not yours. Honoring each other today and in the future is GOD’s masterpiece that he started with the giving of his son to us. Next year honor one another more than you did this year, and don’t worry about things and money. They will take care of themselves as long as you are moving with the most special parts of ourselves.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for allowing me to see my younger brother’s 48th birthday, even though I didn’t get to spend it with him, I reached through a text while he was traveling. My wife’s sister’s birthday is tomorrow and she will be another year older as well. Watch over them both as they move into the new years of their lives. It is a blessing to have these moments with those who are having milestones in their lives, and we will not forget them. We are appreciative of all the things we have been able to share without everyone needing to have a large payout to experience it. May we continue to honor one another in the small spaces and not only wait for the big moments. Take a drive to a non-expecting family member or friend and make their day this year. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.