Depending on the climate, a year is composed of four seasons, often three, sometimes even less. The day that is chosen to make the year ‘new’ is arbitrary and cultural. However, that is not meant to say, necessarily, that is a bad thing. Indeed, New Year’s day- or at least New Year’s Eve anyway- is probably the most optimistic day of the year for most people.

But a month or so into the new year- or even less- finds most people waking up in the morning living their old routines and not too excited about all the great things they’re in the process of making happen this year. Indeed, people even go through with their resolutions (they quit smoking for example) but even the fact that they don’t smoke anymore seems like old hat.

It seems possible that there is a way of living where every day of one’s life is as exciting as the New Year, that promises and possibilities for growth are right there for the picking like a fruit ripe on the tree. Every new moment offers the possibility of renewal; every second is pregnant with boundless opportunities. New Year’s is a time when people emerge from their tunnel vision and say, “I’m finally going to do something great; I’m going to make it happen!” And why shouldn’t people do this? Not just on New Year’s but every day?

Life should not be lived in a world draped in grey. The world is a canvas- the heart a palette of paints, so use the palette of paints that God has given you and paint yourself a happier new year! Make your life fun and exciting! Cherish every moment of it, even when you don’t feel like it. Remember, resolutions are to start anew- that’s the promise for growth- but they’re also about stopping bad habits, and living a gloomy, ho hum existence is a very bad habit. So starting right now dare to do something different!  Why not add a new resolution to the list of things that you would like to do this year? The new resolution that God wants you to add is to invite Him each day and each night into your circumstances to help you have a happy new year.

Pray to God, tell Him what your dreams are, what your hopes are, what your aspirations are and then allow Him to gently guide you in the right directions to help you have a happy New Year.

2023 Can be a much better year for you when you invite God often in your circumstances!

Instead of your year being much better, 2023 might be the year that God does the extraordinary in and through your circumstances!

So Happy New Year! Today and every day!