| FEBRUARY 1, 2024 -- For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
We are one month into a new calendar year. It is a time to reflect on the year that has past and plan ahead for better things in the year ahead. Some of us have made New Year’s Resolutions, which we may or may not keep. I am of a mind that instead of just choosing the first of each year to make new resolutions that we should reflect at the end of each day on what we have done and what we could do better. At the same time thank God for all the good that has occurred in keeping us safe through another day and asking His help in the days to come. Each morning is the beginning of a new day. Every single day is an opportunity for you to start anew.
As we are told in our Grange ritual and as I have said here before, look forward to better and brighter days instead of mourning over the past. In planning each day, we need to be optimistic that things will work out for us, but not too optimistic. Be also ready to include God in your planning, asking God’s help in all that you do, and also making sure that your plans do not violate the rules that He has set out for us, always remembering that He requires us to consider and help our fellow human beings and care for the world around us that God has entrusted to our care. If possible, keep this goal in mind throughout the day whenever you have time for reflection. St. Paul tells us: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working
|
