2017 has arrived. Every time a new year begins, we tend to reflect on lessons from the past, but more importantly, what hopes we can embrace and positive attitudes we can adopt.
It was quite timely that January 1st, Cinderella puppet show was playing.
Tatum, Mama and I decided to go. The show made me ponder some ideas for the new year.
1. Be true to yourself
- I want Tatum to be all that God made her to be. Cinderella knew she was not a princess in title, but she knew deep down that she was worth more than what her step-family had made her to be. To be true to oneself means that you continue to check in with your motives and your heart and make sure they are aligned. As Tatum gets to know herself, she will be faced with opportunities to go outside of how God made her (perhaps temptations to be outside of God’s plan). It will be a that time that I pray she’ll look into her heart and see the princess that she truly is and make the right choices.
- 2. Persevere with positive behavior when faced with negative circumstances
- It wasn’t easy being ordered around with absolutely no grace or love from Cinderella’s step family. How did she act? She never wavered with her kindness. She obeyed. We are all faced with difficulties in life, and it is easy to complain and even disobey. However, what we can see from this story is that God always saw the injustice of it all. He saw that she remained true and honorable despite being treated with such disregard. This gives all of us hope as we know to stay the course and run the race God has designed for us even when it is so hard and life seems unfair. The story is not finished yet, and we have to have faith.
- 3. Love will find its way
- Now, I’m not too concerned about Tatum finding her true love right now. However, in Cinderella, she never expected to find her destiny in the midst of such difficulties. We never know what is right around the corner. I have no idea what is in store for Tatum and her life, but I do know one thing: God is in control (not me). Love has found me and I was not at all looking or expecting. All I did was be me and be God’s child in my behavior and beliefs. I liken it to raising Tatum; I just do the best I can with God’s help, not expecting or doing it for a reward, but because it is right. What will come? Love? Blessings? I have no idea what it will look like, but if God’s in charge, it will be just perfect for Tatum.
- Thank you Cinderella for teaching us some fine lessons for 2017
- Also, the mice may come along, and what can we do? We rejoice in our sufferings too.
And even can be thankful for them because flowers always follow rain.
2017, we welcome you and we are ready to blast off!
