Reflection for the month - January

 “Turning over a new leaf”

Do people still keep diaries?  I suppose that some do, in which case every day sees the turning over of a new leaf, a clean page, fresh, unmarked, ready to record the thoughts and actions of the writer. What then is so special about New Year’s Day?  It is after all just another day and another page for life’s story.  The merriment of Auld Lang Syne, hugs and kisses of the night before may linger, but for some there will be the old-fashioned challenge of making New Year Resolutions.

These are messy times, and we frequently feel helpless in the face of the seeming paralysis of our leaders and of society at large to bring about much needed change for so many people all around the world surviving war, natural disasters, political instability, corruption and poverty.  The starting point for New Year resolutions has to be an honest look at ourselves, the things we have done and those we might have done but not done. Christmas provided us with a reminder of how Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, came among us, and he remains with us, sharing the joys and the burdens of our lives. Turning over the page to Him we can pray for guidance that through His love, His mercy and His justice we may find our proper place in His creation, working for the coming of His Kingdom.                                                               David Peacock