Looking Ahead

During the last week of every December, many magazines and television shows devote special editions to reviewing the past year.

I do the same. Before I throw my old calendar away, I look back through the months of scribbled appointments and activities. This helps me reflect on the events of my personal and spiritual life.

When I put up my new calendar, I wonder what I need to do differently to make this a better year and to be a better Christian.

This reminds me of the passage in 1 Kings when God asked Solomon, the newly crowned king, what gift he would like from the Almighty.

Solomon realised that he lacked maturity and needed help in ruling a kingdom. Rather than wealth, long life or revenge against his enemies, Solomon asked God for wisdom. God was pleased and gave him the wisdom he needed to lead his people.

Our Creator has already given each of us gifts.

As I look ahead to the new year, I pray for wisdom to recognise my gifts and to seek opportunities to use them in God’s service.

I hope that when I look through the calendar this time next year, the dates will be filled with scribbled notations of days spent serving God.

Prayer: God of all times, give us wisdom to serve in your kingdom. Teach us to love others as you love us. Amen