Happy New…Day?

Like many of you, I rang in the new year by watching the celebration in Times Square.  It seems that December 31 isn’t complete until we see Jennifer Lopez in a gold onesie or Dick Clark proving that he’s still somewhat alive.  The good news this year is that we celebrated in the Central Time Zone, so I still got to sleep by 11:15.

Every year I’m reminded of the curious nature of the new year event.  Millions worldwide view it as a clean slate, an opportunity to rid our minds and lives of previous wrongs, grudges, and failures.  It’s as if January 1st hearkens some sort of rebirth – both physically (check out all the fitness equipment on sale), organizationally (how many started the year with a brand new calendar / day planner / etc.?) or spiritually (church attendance, anyone?).

But scripture reminds us that a new start doesn’t have to wait until New Year’s Day.  God promises in Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that ” The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Every day, his grace is new.  Every day, his faithfulness is renewed.  Every day, we get a fresh start.