2017 revealed

I have the privilege of writing a scripture reflection once each month for the daily reflection ministry at my church. This post is taken from my reflection published January 3. I don't make a habit of sharing my scripture reflections on this blog, but I think it serves nicely as a New Year's post.

“Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” – 1 John 3:2

The beginning of a new year can present itself to us as a daunting task. People ask us about our New Year’s resolutions. We survey our lives with a critical eye, looking for places where we can do better, be better. I’ve often felt a pressure to create a “new me” when the calendar page turns to January.

As I read the readings for Tuesday, I was struck by the quote above. I know that I am a child of God, but I don’t necessarily know what that means for me, what I “shall be.” Sometime last spring, I came to a very clear understanding that the life I was living was not the life God intended for me. I wasn’t sure what that meant, but I was sure I was hearing and understanding the message.

It took me a few months to let it sink in, but slowly I began to change. None of the changes were drastic. I still have the same job. I am still married to the same man, raising the same three teenagers. I still live in the same house. But I am different and the difference is that I am taking the time to consider what it is that God would have me do with my life. What that shall be has not yet been fully revealed, but I believe that by listening, reflecting, and being open to God’s call, I am becoming more who God would have be me, more like him.

So this year, when January 1 rolled around, I didn’t feel anxious about declaring a resolution. I don’t see the new year as a challenge to conquer, but as an invitation to open and to answer, one day at a time.

So I ask you, child of God, what is it that you shall be?

Father God, I pray that I might keep your will for my life always in my mind and heart, so that when it is revealed to me, I will find myself ever more like you.

Blessings to all of you in this New Year. If you would like to subscribe (FREE!) to receive the daily reflections (Monday-Friday) in your email, go here.