Going Out with Joy

 ......

I frankly wasn't feeling the usual excitement last night as I sat with my journal, reflecting as tradition dictates on last year's goals, and making new ones for a new 12 months. In my journaled words, I was feeling "a little tired, a little discouraged, a little 'out of hope' ..." and so, my goals were simpler than they generally are ... quieter. Less "bang for the buck." :) The Lord helped me to gain a brighter spirit this afternoon, for which I am thankful -- but my simple goals for the year ahead are staying as they are, I think. :) Sometimes, it's good to just go simple. Sometimes, motivation just isn't there waiting for us ... it needs to be worked up to. Which leads me to mentioning the following by John Baillie, A Prayer for Daily Meditation. He understood that sometimes, we just won't feel refreshed. Sometimes we will be jaded and uninspired. But when we're feeling this way, it is vital that we remember to keep perspective. To remember that this too shall pass ... and one step at a time is all that is required to keep going heavenward.

Grant, O heavenly Father, that the spiritual

refreshment I have this day enjoyed may not be

left behind and forgotten as tomorrow I return

to the cycle of common tasks.

Here is a fountain of inward strength.

Here is a purifying wind that must blow

through all my business and all my pleasures.

Here is a light to enlighten all my road.

Therefore, O God, do Thou enable me so to

discipline my will that in hours of stress I may

honestly seek after those things for which I have

prayed in hours of peace.

John Baillie

......

May God give you strength to stand in this new year! Happy 2015!