Sunshine


Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
December 31, 2008

Photography by Elizabeth Brown

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. -Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

Is there anything any better than a sunny day!! There have been some lovely days lately to venture outdoors and walk the beach. Sunshine brightens our spirit and refreshes us, both inside and out. It has been said that wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. That is a good quote to live by especially while we are in the midst of winter.

The new year is just a few days old. There is hope and excitement about what will come in the next twelve months. Not only is it a new beginning, but it is a chance to make some changes. The new year can be the time to set goals and to sow seeds for the future. How could this year be any different from other years? What could make the difference? The difference is in our attitude. Developing a right attitude is the key. Our attitude will dictate our success or failure. It will make the difference between happiness and unhappiness.

Mary Engelbreits' advice about attitude is this: “If you don't like something change it, if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.”I know of people that have truly fallen on hard times with one problem after the other stacking up. Yet, they are cheerful, grateful and trusting God for so much when they have so little. Their attitude must surely please God. The new year is a chance to shed that old self and those old ways in favor of a better way. To be open to receive a new way to live and think. Luke 5:38 talks about wineskins. We shouldn't put old wine into new wineskins. Like wineskins, that wisdom applies to us today as we must keep old mindsets and attitudes from contaminating this new year. By drawing a line in the sand symbolically, we can leave the old behind. Let's make a solid effort to embrace this new year with the heart and attitude of Jesus.