It's the eve of a new year. It's time to do some
reflecting. Reflecting on the past year, reflecting on the upcoming year, and,
most importantly, reflecting on our life! Think about it: Wouldn't it be sad to
realize too late what is important in life?
It is a fact that futile attractions lead to emptiness. This is as true for the
alcoholic as for the workaholic and the donothingaholic (Does this word even
exist?). Only One gives us a purpose. Only One makes us realize what is really
essential in life. Is this why He encourages us to love one another? "Love one
another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34 NIV)
Oh the lamentations of those who recognize too late that they are leading a life
devoid of meaning! What is left of the kingdom built with our own hands when our
time is up? Were all of our empty pursuits worthwhile? Does our past haunt us
with emptiness? With hurt? With broken promises?
"If I had only known! If only I had realized earlier the purpose of my
existence! What a waste!!"
I hear so many uttering these words. However lamentations will not help our
current situation. Once we realize where we came from and who is truly our guide
to happiness, we need to start looking forward, not backwards and start thanking
Him for giving us the opportunity to make a difference in someone else's life
right now: "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I
press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward
in Christ Jesus." (Phil 3:13-14 NIV)
One of my good friends just lost his dad to a freak accident. At 75 years of
age, the gentleman had a strong heart and was as active as a twenty-year old. I
remember meeting this elderly gentleman once, and he impressed me with his
determination, his genuine smile, and his German accent, which served to remind
me of my own European roots. Just a few days ago, while helping a neighbour
remove a tree, he tragically fell to his death.
This gentleman wouldn't have had any remorse. He had led a life filled with love
for God as well as for others. But what if he had not realized how great God's
love truly is? What if his life had not been filled with God's presence and he
had had no idea how to truly love? Would he have wasted it on empty pursuits,
like most of us?
Although grieving, this gentleman's son stated with a smile: "I know where my
dad is, beyond any doubts. He is with God, and although I sure miss him, I can
only rejoice."
He will have another opportunity to be with his dad in the future, the time
interval between now and that next visit will only be a bit longer.
I am now asking myself: How will I spend the last minutes before my flame burns
out? Will it be just futile attempts at self-glory? Or will it be to God's
glory?
How will you spend this new upcoming New Year?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.