Happy New Year
How many times have you said or heard someone say “Happy New Year” so far this month? We love to be happy and most folks love new things. What would a happy 2022 look like for you? What were some of the new things that took place in your life this past year that God blessed you with? I believe that even in our most difficult days we have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to look forward to.
This time last year I didn’t know that I would be given the wonderful opportunity to write an article in the Albemarle Tradewinds magazine every month. I believe that out of one thing that God does many other things happen. By being affiliated with this publication I have had the opportunity to meet and talk with folks that I wouldn’t have otherwise. Relationships are extremely important and I thank God for the new friends that I have made this past year. I love this quote by Ed Cunningham, “Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer.” If you have a few good friends that will not only listen with their ears but also their heart you are a very rich person.
One thing that will make this a great year is to intentionally reach out to others on a regular basis. One of my favorite quotes is “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” It really goes back to the golden rule which states “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”(Mt. 7:12) Let’s never forget two very important principles in life: (1) We need the Lord and (2) We need each other!
Take the time to make the call, write the letter, send the text or make the visit to someone who needs it. Don’t wait to do what the Lord is putting on your heart to do and what you know needs to be done. “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” (Benjamin Franklin) People matter! Every life has value and worth. There isn’t a long line of people reaching out to others. I have yet to have anyone come up to me and say “Greg you know I’m just getting to much encouragement and love!” However I have come across a lot of folks that are starving for someone to give them some time and attention.
David Livingstone was a Scottish physician and also a pioneer missionary to Africa. I have declared this quote by him many times, “I will go anywhere as long as it is forward.” The definition for forward is “moving toward the future or toward a more advanced state or condition.”(Merriam- Webster) Let’s go forward in service to God and others like never before in 2022. The Bible says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”(Philippians 2:3-4)
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I’m blessed to have the opportunity to be the pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Elizabeth City -1363 US Hwy 17 S (Southside Plaza). We worship every Sunday morning at 10:00. My email address is newhopepreacher@yahoo.com . I’m also helping with Tradewinds Media and you can reach me for that at gbrinson.tradewinds@gmail.com
