Starting the year right

The year has started in a frenzy to my chagrin. Goodbye to my resolutions to take things easy this year.  When they said business is going to be good this year, they must really have meant it to start right on the dot.

Except for a few pauses to breathe, I don’t really mind.  I would rather be busy than bored.  Though it is also possible to be bored of being busy.  For those of you who are in the same boat as I am, I think you can relate.

For January, the heat is ferocious.  So uncharacteristic of a Philippine January.  But a lot of things have changed and time seems to have shortened.  In my study of the Bible, the things we are experiencing today are stark indications of the last of days.  But unless you understand what I am talking about, you will just think I am a prophet of doom.  On the contrary, it should be good news.  Imagine, God taking over the world?  Would that not be bliss?  I think our fear stems from our own separation from God.  Our own.  For God never separated from us.  He is just there waiting.  We simply need to talk to Him so we can enter the throne room of His presence.

As of this writing, my friend Pierre  Mari Yu and I are on our way to a meeting.  Desperately wanting to also have time to reflect on the purpose of all our haste.  All year round last year we were crowded with many activities, traffic, and demands of work.  Things I am sure most of us have shared.  Still, for a better year ahead, it is time we really sit back and think,

What are we really here for?

How does one start a year right?  How do we make our business do well?  Our usual practice in our own personal dealings is to do what we can, and when we stumble upon a problem, we take on our problem solving techniques and strive to find solutions.

Outright there seems to be nothing wrong with that.  But to truly hone available wisdom from an infallible boss is to seek God’s directions.  Mind you, He is alive and not pressed between the pages of an unopened Bible.  I know I must sound preachy to the cynical but that is how I have survived so far.  And I feel the need to share this best problem solving technique with you for it is fool proof.

What are its benefits:  for one, calling upon one who already knows the results even before we are able to do anything, is getting the best advice; secondly, God lifts the burden off our shoulders and you truly feel the ease of His assurance that though things may be rough, there will always be a way out; and if the road is not smooth and takes time, you will know the reason why and still appreciate the delay because it will all turn out for good.

Consulting God first aligns us.  It brings to fore the value of integrity, excellence and a concern to do what is right.   Everyone wants to work with people they can trust.  And no one wants their plans to fail.  So if we want to start the year right, let’s take it from the master and call Him first before we rely on ourselves.

Happy new year everyone and yes,  happy birthday too to Sean Laurent Cruz.  My nephew who is among my blessings.  May God guide your path.