Crossing Into the New Year

Happy New Year! Wishes for good health and happiness have been posted online, stated out loud, written in cards and letters and displayed on signs in stores. Smiles and handshakes are given to friends, family and strangers. For a few days before the new year begins and a few days after the new year begins, people show extra friendliness and compassion as we all "cross" into the new year.

Calendars are displayed with new appointments, activities, birth dates, anniversaries and more. Planners and "to do" lists fill my dining room table as I prepare to "cross" over from one calendar year to the next.

On a bright, sunny, breezy morning, Alan and I wanted to take a walk and enjoy scenery of the local waterfront park. After arriving at the waterfront, finding a parking place, bundling up (because ocean air is always more breezy than in town), we held hands and began walking to the end of the pier. Along the way, we could hear the laughter of children and adults playing in the great playground. Swings and slides, climbing area and plenty of benches for the adults to rest and watch the young ones playing.

The pier was filled with other walkers, joggers and people casting fishing lines into the water. This pier is long and allows for wonderful viewing of the harbor, barges passing by, tug boats, the occasional cruise ship and my favorite, dolphins jumping in and out of the water.

Above this pier is a huge bridge which is famous for its design. The bridge leaves Mount Pleasant and crosses into Charleston. As I stood and watched the many interesting sights in the water, my eyes were led to the bridge. The sounds of vehicles crossing from one area to the next reminded me of how we were preparing to "cross into the new year". This bridge is equipped with safety features and inspections to keep travelers safe.

How are we equipped to cross over into the new year? Are we placing God first in our lives or are we too worried about our "to do" lists to make time for Him? Staring at the huge bridge, I began wondering about the people crossing from one city to the next. Where were they going? Family event, work, doctor appointment, shopping, tourist attraction? Wherever their destination, they trusted the bridge to be safe and sound.

I pray we will put our trust and faith in God as He leads us to "cross over" into the new year.

On a side note, as Alan and I stared at the bridge, we both commented how thankful we are for the people who inspect the bridges. "I sure wouldn't want to be up that high in the air." No need to worry. God is in charge. He equips us all with different gifts and bridge climbing is a gift someone else enjoys. :-)

Have a blessed "cross into the new year". God loves you and He is with you always.

Blessings,
Mimi