Make A Change

I am “a voice in the desert, crying out:
Make straight the way…”
John 1:23

I begin every New Year with great expectations for myself, for my loved ones and for this world of ours. I reflect upon my ever-growing list of imperfections and then select a few things which I can actually change. After devising my self-improvement plan, I consider those I’ve been given to love. My assessment of their needs is far less critical and far more nurturing than my own. I simply consider each one and wish him or her a New Year filled with the grace, wisdom and strength to do their best as best they can.

This world of ours is another story. I’m torn between heartbreak for our brothers and sisters whose suffering seems endless and anger toward those in power who can’t seem to get it right when it comes to creating peace on this earth. The divide between bondage and liberty, poverty and wealth, sorrow and joy seems to grow exponentially with every passing day. This year, the divide between health and illness has grown as well. Though opportunities to help have slipped through our collective fingers since the onset of this pandemic, we’ll begin a new year tomorrow. New Year 2021 offers new opportunities to make it a better year for us all.

Though my sphere of influence is minimal in the grand scheme of things, it is still mine. Every moment I’m given is mine. When I respond to the situations at hand lovingly and productively, I change the world in a positive way. When I respond with anger, hatred or even thoughtless impatience, I do the opposite.

It seems to me that the best New Year’s resolution I can make is to do everything I can to bring some measure of peace and love with me wherever I am. Sometimes, these efforts will be life-changing. Sometimes, they will be only moment-changing. Always, they will change this world for the better.

Loving God, be with us all as we bring your peace and love to this world, one moment at a time.

©2020 Mary Penich – All Rights Reserved