Is this really The End?


Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning, but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. Cheers to a new year, and another chance for us to get it right.
–Oprah Winfrey


Every single newscast, every talk show has been running year-end memories, celebrating those who have died and reminding us that the 2010’s are over—it’s a brand new decade! But is it really? (Actually: no.)

Think about it: when we start counting, we start at one, headed for ten, where “things” change. So in reality, this brand new decade doesn’t begin until . . . January 1, 2021.

So what’s my point? Does it really matter? Probably only to language purists, and I only barely fill that bill. But this whole discussion made me think of that place in Matthew 24, where Jesus’ disciples are quizzing him about when the Son of Man will return. No one knows the day nor the hour, Jesus replies, not even the Son of Man himself.

And he goes on to instruct them to live each day as though the Lord’s return is imminent. Because in the grand scheme of things, it really shouldn’t matter. At all.

Live the life God desires of you, and when God returns, whenever that is, you won’t be caught unawares. This decade, next decade—doesn’t matter. Every decade will have hungry to feed and people in need of a loving touch or a kind word. This new year, 2020, brings a bonus Leap Day to make a difference in your corner of the world. That difference might be a life-changer for someone. 

Maybe even you.


Monday Open your eyes wide this morning. Look around you. Pause to really appreciate the little things. Give thanks. Ephesians 1:3-10

Tuesday Do you knit or crochet? Consider a class through your community, and make a simple scarf for someone in need. Jeremiah 31:7-11

Wednesday Pause in the middle of the week and simply be. Feel God’s presence over you. Rest. John 1:1-9

Thursday Invite someone to lunch. Make this time together a phone-free, no-electronics time. Ephesians 1:11-14

Friday Have you written thank you notes for those wonderful Christmas gifts yet? Write someone a real note, by hand. You might just make their day! John 1:10-18

Saturday As you pray for yourself in the brand new year, ask what one thing about your heart needs changing. Resolve to let God work. Psalm 147:12-20

Sunday Introduce yourself to someone you don’t already know. Offer a warm smile and word of welcome. Sit with them if they don’t mind. Jeremiah 31:12-14

I hope that in the year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes . . . then you’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, 
you’re doing something. –Neil Gaiman

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