The New Year is a time for new beginnings and resolutions—new diets, goals and dreams. For many it is like a fresh start. As for me, I am just thankful to have the gift of life in 2017. Life is so precious. We have five-year and ten-year plans, but it is also important that we never forget that in the midst of our planning we must live every moment intentionally, because that is all we have.

My New Year’s resolution is to live every moment with a purpose and share the love of Christ with those around me. I want to love my family, friends and neighbors to the fullest. As I prepare to be a missionary in Ireland, I want to live every day realizing it is a gift from God, doing what really matters and not being caught up in superficial things. This year I want never to waste an opportunity to say a kind word, to let people know how much I appreciate them, how much I love them and especially how much God loves them. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22-23).

Dear God, as we begin a new year we surrender our plans and goals to You. We know You lead us and guide us. We know You answer our prayers and give us the desires of our hearts according to Your will. Help us to live the fruit of the Spirit daily. Please help us understand that in the midst of planning out our lives, we have to live each moment, and at the end of the day You will direct our path. May we remember that even if our moments in this life run out, You have promised us eternal life. Come soon, Lord Jesus! Amen. “A man’s heart plans his ways, but the Lord directs His steps” (Prov. 16:9).

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