This article was first published on December 30. That date may not mean anything to you but it holds a great deal of significance to me. My father passed away on this day in 1980. The date also marks the anniversary of my mother’s death in 1990.

The end of each year can be rather somber if I allow the grief to become too strong. Instead, I try to focus on the good memories and the beautiful way God has led me from there to here.

As we venture into another year, we’ll witness wonderful moments and heartbreaking disappointments. There will be new babies to kiss and old friends to bid farewell. We’ll see evil in this world but we will be encouraged by those who aren’t afraid to proclaim Christ as our Lord.

Many will give their lives to Jesus this coming year and sadly, some will walk away from him. There will be those who begin their futures together in beautiful weddings and those who will end theirs in bitter divorces.

Love, faith, and hope will be readily available to drown out the failures, difficult moments, and tragedies that we might experience.

As those around us are making grand resolutions for the entire year, let’s resolve to live life one day at a time, starting with this day.

Today, be a servant.

Today, encourage God’s people.

Today, refuse to let your past, your pain, or your problems keep you from your Savior.

Today, meditate on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable (Philippians 4:8).

Today, remember that you are chosen, holy, and deeply loved.

Today, walk with the Lord.

Making plans for the entire year is futile. We don’t know what tomorrow will hold.

What we do know is that today brings us one day closer to seeing Jesus. So chose this day whom you will serve (Joshua 24:15). Use it to glorify him, and remember, the same God who loved us so much that he sent his only son (John 3:16), can get us through any day we face.

by Paula Harrington @ www.forthright.net