RBC

I realize that The Mindful Minute has been absent for much of 2017. I appreciate the hiatus as I have been working on my first book. It has taken me to the end of the year to realize how much I have missed this and it has been during those times that I write this blog, that I have the most ideas for the book project. So, having said that, I hope to continue a more regular pace with this blog while I write the book.

An Open Letter to 2017:

C.S. Lewis once said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream another dream.” It is with this dedicated spirit that I move into 2018. This past year has taught me much; it has broken my heart, more than once, and it has mended it again. This year has taken loved ones away and it has given birth to new life. This year has watched me laugh so hard that I cried and it has seen me cry so hard that I had to laugh just to get away from the pain. My old teacher- failure- was ever present and shined a light on the many mistakes that I made this year. The year 2017 allowed me to see people I love get married, graduate college, and go on to exciting things in life; and it also gave me a glimpse of greatness in a group of students near and dear to my heart. This year allowed me to watch two little boys continue their journey growing into young men and it blessed me with another great year with the woman of my dreams.

So, what can I say about 2017 as we close these final hours? I can say 2017- you were just another year. You, like so many of your brothers before were full of ups and downs. And as I turn my gaze to 2018, I leave you with a full heart, knowing that I tried, and sometimes failed. Learning that just because I can, doesn’t mean I should. And becoming acutely aware that my strength is not enough to accomplish what I set out to do. The goals I set are God-given goals. The dreams I dream are God-inspired dreams and it will be through Him and His strength that I charge forward into 2018 with the determination to accomplish His will for my life. So, to those in 2017 that I have wronged- I deeply and sincerely apologize. Some I am aware of my transgressions, others I have no idea what I have done- but I am sorry. To those who have wronged me in 2017- I forgive you. Not out of some piety, but the simple realization that I am not without my faults as well. Christ forgave me, who am I to withhold it from others? To all who read this- I. Love. You.  I set forth this year to be a better person than I was in 2017- to pray more, worry less, laugh often, and love each and every one of you as much as I can.

So, here we are, nearly 2 hours to go before a new year. My parting words to 2017 is simply THANK YOU. Thank you for all the joy found within your confines, thank you for all the wonderful memories made, for it was these memories that lifted my spirit when I needed it most. And thank you for all the heartache, the failures, and the hurt, for it was these experiences that made me a better man. All of this is okay, because I know who holds the future and I know HE watches me. Happy New Year to all reading this. You are so loved.

In Christ Alone,

Rev. Bro. Coach