We’re all regrouping from the Christmas gathering. If social media are any indicator, wherever we all spent Christmas was crowded. Fun. Catching up.
Now? The little kids are the only ones not worn out. As for the rest of us – if we’re not on the road and heading back home, we’re sleeping in.
Yes – even me. Normally up and around by 4:30 or 5, I slept in this morning until 7:15. If you know me at all, you know that’s rare. Almost unheard-of.
Facebook’s got plenty of memes about not having a clue what to think or do about these remaining days of ’21 between now and New Year’s day of ’22. The truth? All of us are using the occasional serious moments to think about what the new year will hold for us.
I sat for a few minutes, wondering the same thing. I sipped fresh joe. I pondered. As the mental cobwebs cleared a bit, I began my normal early-morning ritual and began some quiet time.
As I sipped, I listened to soft music, and began reading the next passage in Colossians. I’d only read a sentence or two when the words began to step out from behind the curtain like performers at the play’s end. When that happens, it’s time to go back and begin reading again. Obviously, God’s got some stuff He wants me to take to heart.
I’m going to share the passage with you. I can’t think of better suggestions for planning 2022 than this paragraph from this letter of Paul. See what you think.
“Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ–the Message–have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail of your lives–words, actions, whatever–be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.” [Colossians 3:15-17, The Message]
Wow. Considering everything that’s been swirling around us during 2021, this is some good, sound counsel – don’t you think? Go ahead; read back over it again. Grow gratitude. Spend quality time reading the Bible and let it penetrate. Work together using common sense.
Okay, the singing part may or may not work for you. Depends on your voice, right? But you get what ol’ Paul’s getting at.
So it took me a couple of reads before the best lesson of all popped out at me. No-no; it wasn’t obscured or buried a couple of layers deep. It was right there in plain sight.
First word. “Let”. See it? I’m guessing you hopped right over it, too, like I did.
Anyone can sit and read through Colossians 3:15-17, slap the Bible closed, think “Nice. Great passage. I can share that with ___________.” Whoa, hoss. Not so fast.
“Let” means you and I have something to do. “Let” means it ain’t happenin’ unless I open myself up and intentionally invite it in. That’s what it means for you, too.
In case you’re wondering, there are more “lets” scattered through your Bible. One of the best things you can be doing during 2022 is to be searching ’em out, and including whatever they’re suggesting you do in your daily life: fun, work, rest, whatever.
What do you mean, “How do I find ’em”? You already know . . . Know what else? I’d love for you to toss me a comment or Facebook message when you find those “lets” and tell me how they’re speaking to you and encouraging you to add yet more good stuff in your own life.
I know this will be good for both of us.
I know your 2022 will be the better for it.
I know my coffee’s cold.
That’s my cue. So long for now, 2nd Cuppers. You all rock!
Yep. You can hit the recliner and close those eyes some more.
© d. dean boone, december 2021