The beginning of a new year is like the coming of dawn. We wait in the darkness, anticipation building as the countdown to midnight grows shorter. There is excitement, wonder, predictions of what it will be like. The light creeps over the dark edge of the horizon. What will we do this year, we wonder? Who will we become? What shadowed corners of our lives will the sunlight illumine?

And then the clock strikes twelve and we rejoice as though suddenly the world is washed new. Possibilities abound, progress can finally be made. But the reality is, it is just another sunrise. Just another day.

I don’t use the word ‘just’ to belittle what a new day brings. Far from it. But it seems to me that we put too much stock in what 1/1 in particular will bring us.

Life is short; incredibly so. I know that I am still young, but when I look back over the course of 22 years, I am shocked at how quickly the time goes. How one moment you’re there, living, and the next it is a memory – and a fading one at that.

A new year is a beautiful thing. It absolutely brings with it loads of potential, for growth, change, love – anything and everything. I don’t want to diminish that.

But let’s not put off living here, in the moment, in hope of future change. Let’s stop waiting for Monday, stop waiting for New Years, heck, stop waiting for tomorrow. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Instead of perpetually looking forward, let’s shift our focus to living our best and fullest where we are now.

How about we treat everyday like January 1st? Let’s ring it in with cheers and joyful hearts, because every single day is a gift that we could never hope to deserve. Every sunrise is from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. Every morning His mercies are new and sufficient to carry you through the day. Every day, God is faithfully with us, eager to give us of His wisdom, grace, mercy, compassion, and love. Every day is an opportunity to live for Him.

I hope that you had a wonderful New Years Eve and Day, but don’t let the celebrating stop there. Don’t make excuses for the things in your life that need changing. Take advantage of the gift that you have been given – today – and become the person that you were made to be.