We say it for a reason. Time does seem to go exceptionally fast. With lives crammed full of busy, we are always doing and going and rushing and messaging.
And we did a lot last year. As a culture, we watched Bruce Jenner try to make himself into a woman named Caitlyn. We saw the explosive popularity of Fifty Shades of Gray. We saw horrific undercover videos of Planned Parenthood. We saw the United States declare that #LoveWins as they legalized same-sex marriage. We saw racism and tragedy in Charleston. We saw terrorism and death in Paris. We saw earthquakes in Nepal.
We saw a boy make a clock whose teachers thought it was a bomb and dominate headlines for weeks. We saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens break box office records. We saw Justin Trudeau take power in Canada.
We saw good and bad and a whole lot of ugly. A great deal happened on a global scale. A lot also happened for us individually. It was a pretty crazy year for me.
I turned 18. I voted for the first time. I graduated college. I quit my job. I took over The Rebelution as editor-in-chief. I started pursuing writing full time. I read a whole lot of good books. I learned a lot about conflict and joy and growing up.
I don't know what you did this year, but I hope that you will join me in looking back in reflection and asking yourself some questions:
How did I glorify God this year?
What were the sins I struggled with most?
Was I faithful to the gospel?
Did I become more holy?
Did my actions reflect my commitment to the King?
Did I choose joy?
How many people did I share the gospel with?
Did I pray often?
Was I relying on the Word of God?
As we enter upon this new year, the first in our years of eternity ahead, join with me in focusing our minds and hearts on the one truth that changes everything.
Let us strive to know God more. Let us seek to sin less. Let us long to love better. Let us dedicate "another year for Thee," as Francis Havergal penned in "Another Year is Dawning":
"Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.
Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.
Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee."
"Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.
Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.
Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee."