Auld Lang Syne

Colossians 3:12-17

"...And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity."

Happy New Year!

It is always this time of year when my struggle with clinical depression becomes cumbersome. My brain becomes filled with cotton batting between synapses, my body aches, and being awake takes every ounce of energy.

During these times, which happen three or four times a year, I cling to the words in Colossians. I like the idea of being bound together in perfect unity, even when I feel utterly broken. The words tell me that God is taking care of me, even through my fog of depression. God reveals that He wants this life to be filled with joy and celebration, and even though it takes more effort for me to experience it sometimes, that doesn't mean that it isn't there...it IS present, all around me, and I can relax my tired heart and let God's peace encompass me.

Many of us celebrate on this night the passing of a year and the coming of a new one. God takes pleasure in our celebration, in our seizing of this moment to experience joy.

I have many loved ones right now struggling- with family hardships, health problems, and loneliness. Today I pray that God lifts those burdens and walks beside us, and helps us hold the good in our hearts as well as the bad. We can celebrate the gifts we've been given: friendship, love, and fellowship together.

So tonight, CELEBRATE! God is pure love and is present with us through trials AND celebration.

Prayer: Giver of Life, help us to live each day to glorify you. Amen.
Thought for the day: God wants us to enjoy life.