Encouragement

---

Happy New Year?
by Dan Langerock


The story is told of a man walking to a new town where he would take up residence. He decided to quiz people coming from his new choice of abode, so he asked a person what was the town like. "You don't want to live there" he was told, "there are thieves and crime like you wouldn't believe. People are unfriendly too."

He thanked the person then thought about what he had heard for a while. Then he decided to ask someone else the same question. This person said, "You're going to love it in that town. The parks are so beautiful, people stop on the street on talk to you, and there is very little crime. I have lived there twenty years and never had any problems."

This story shows the difference of perspective between the two people who were asked about the town. The same is true of what we expect from a new year. If we have the mindset that it will be a bad year, then the worst is all we will see.

A couple were in counseling for their marriage and the counselor asked the husband to give his wife nothing but compliments for a whole week until their next session. At the end of the week, the counselor asked the wife what she thought of all the compliments she had been given. She looked blankly at him and said, "What compliments?" This woman's mind was made up about their marriage, so she never heard the positive things that were said.

Here are a few examples of what people say when you wish them "Happy New Year".
"Not at this place" The person's place of employment
"What's good about it?"
"Happy New Year to you also"
"Not with my marriage"
"I hate my life"

You can add many more examples yourself, but the point is that the person's perspective determines what response you get. If the person is unhappy, you will get a negative response. If they are upbeat then the reaction will be positive. What mindset have you taken into the new year? Are you supposing the negative or positive into it? If you are unhappy, why not try praying about it and seeking to change the situation you are in? If, however, you are perpetually unhappy, changing the situation will not change your outlook.

God loves you with an unconditional love. He wants to be involved in your life, even in the smallest detail. But you must give your permission for changes to be made, whether personally or otherwise. He has the answers you need, but you must want to change before they will do you any good. You can have a terrible year or a great year. depending on your perspective and how you choose to lead your life. The sad part is, everyone needs God's help, but not everyone wants it.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE