Finish it!

Have you watched any of the 'Karate Kid' movies.  If not, the gist is Daniel, the underdog, learns Karate and goes to compete against the bully on the block, who is being trained by the nastiest instructor around (Johny K) whose motto is 'No Mercy'.   Mr Miyagi, Daniel's unassuming teacher, shows Daniel a move against which there is no defence, and despite his opponents underhand tactics, Daniel goes on to win the competition, and the respect of his opponent. 

In one scene, Johny K comes up against Mr Miyagi and picks a fight with him.  Despite being smaller and a lot older, Miyagi bests Johny K. At the end of the fight, has him in a precarious hold, where it looks like he's going to finish him with a swipe of his hand.  However... right at the end it goes like this...






With a tweak of the nose!

What has all this got to do with my blog for New Years Eve?  Well, how we finish something is how we start the next thing.  

If you are leaving 2022 with a bitter heart for example, you will start 2023 on a losing foot.  If you are filled with anger at what 2022 has brought you, you will take that into the next year. If you feel a failure, what you believe will impact your success in 2023. If you are carrying unforgiveness, it will eat away at your and corrupt your next year. 

While new year is not the only time we can do this, it's a great opportunity to let go of the old, and restart with a clean slate. Let go of the anger, the bitterness, or anything that will hold you back in 2023.  It's not too late, and tonight is a great day to begin again. 

Step 1:  Repent..  That means change direction.  Don't do what you were doing. Let go of the stuff you have kept in your heart that shouldn't be there.  Ask God to help you. 

Step 2: Ask the Holy Spirit to replace those things with his love, his peace and joy.

Step 3: Remember that tomorrow is a new day.  God's mercies are new every morning, and it is full of his promises.  Focus on God's word, his love and goodness.  Forget what is past and look towards the future - in Christ it's going to be a good year!

Wishing you all the best for 2023, and praying that the peace of God will encompass you and your household.

Happy New Year.


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