Happy New Year! Wishes for good health and happiness have been posted online, stated out loud, written in cards and letters and displayed on signs in stores. Smiles and handshakes are given to friends, family and strangers. For a few days before the new year begins and a few days after the new year begins, people show extra friendliness and compassion as we all “cross” into the new year.
Calendars are displayed with new appointments, activities, birth dates, anniversaries and more. Planners and “to do” lists fill my dining room table as I prepare to “cross” over from one calendar year to the next.
On a bright, sunny, breezy morning, Alan and I wanted to take a walk and enjoy scenery of the local waterfront park. After arriving at the waterfront, finding a parking place, bundling up (because ocean air is always more breezy than in town), we held hands and began walking to the end of the pier. Along the way, we could hear the laughter of children and adults playing in the great playground. Swings and slides, climbing area and plenty of benches for the adults to rest and watch the young ones playing.
The pier was filled with other walkers, joggers and people casting fishing lines into the water. This pier is long and allows for wonderful viewing of the harbor, barges passing by, tug boats, the occasional cruise ship and my favorite, dolphins jumping in and out of the water.
Above this pier is a huge bridge which is famous for its design. The bridge leaves Mount Pleasant and crosses into Charleston. As I stood and watched the many interesting sights in the water, my eyes were led to the bridge. The sounds of vehicles crossing from one area to the next reminded me of how we were preparing to “cross into the new year”. This bridge is equipped with safety features and inspections to keep travelers safe.
How are we equipped to cross over into the new year? Are we placing God first in our lives or are we too worried about our “to do” lists to make time for Him? Staring at the huge bridge, I began wondering about the people crossing from one city to the next. Where were they going? Family event, work, doctor appointment, shopping, tourist attraction? Wherever their destination, they trusted the bridge to be safe and sound.
I pray we will put our trust and faith in God as He leads us to “cross over” into the new year.
On a side note, as Alan and I stared at the bridge, we both commented how thankful we are for the people who inspect the bridges. “I sure wouldn’t want to be up that high in the air.” No need to worry. God is in charge. He equips us all with different gifts and bridge climbing is a gift someone else enjoys. 🙂
Have a blessed “cross into the new year”. God loves you and He is with you always.
Blessings,
Mimi
Thank you Melissa Henderson. This is something I needed to hear today.
Thank you Carol, for reading and commenting. 🙂
Happy New Year, Melissa!
Happy New Year Gail! 🙂
Lovely words to conjure up a picture in my mind. Thanks and Happy New Year.
Thank you Yvonne. Happy New Year! 🙂
I love a good metaphor! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! 🙂
Happy New Year! It’s so true that we are all nicer at this time of year. I wish it would last. 🙂
Happy New Year!! 🙂
Happy blessed New Year Melissa 💕
Happy New Year Jacquie! 🙂
Love this analogy and the photo, Melissa! Your cross-over image reminded me of when the Israelites crossed the Jordan River. God performed “Amazing things” as the book of Joshua tells us “when” the fully obeyed the steps the Lord gave them and “consecrated” themselves to the Lord. I pray to cross over into the new year fully obeying the Lord’s steps He gives me every step of the way!
I love your messages and your blog posts. Yes, God performs “amazing things”. Happy New Year! 🙂
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Julie! 🙂
Love the mental picture you draw. Great post. God bless!
Thank you Nancy. Happy New Year! 🙂
Love this, Melissa! Happy new year. God bless you!
Thank you Jessica. Happy New Year! God bless you! 🙂
Uplifting words and photograph as we “cross over” into the new year. It’s a transition time, and, as usual, you write about it beautifully, with the point of the story inherent in the details you include. Happy New Year, Melissa!
Thank you for your encouraging words Melinda. Happy New Year! 🙂
Beautiful post, Melissa. I had a rough “cross over” into the new year with the worst case of flu I’ve ever experienced. My head is still fuzzy, but I wanted to stop by and wish you a Happy New Year! You’re a blessing to many. <3
Thank you Jill. Oh no! I am so sorry you have been sick with the flu. How awful! I am praying right now that you are feeling all better soon. Happy New Year dear friend. 🙂
I am definitely ready to cross that bridge knowing He is right beside me guiding me every step of the way!!!!God Bless Sister great message!
Thank you Stephen. I am comforted knowing He is with us every step of the way. Happy New Year! 🙂
I love your analogy of crossing the bridge and crossing over into a new year. This lovely post sounds like a devotional in the making! Maybe you could take up devotional writing. I pray you will enjoy God’s presence every day of 2020. Happy new year, friend.
Thank you June. I love looking for God in each situation. He is always there. 🙂 I will think about writing devotions. Happy New Year dear friend.
I’ve crossed many bridges in my life, some with excitement about where I was going, and some with fear. I’ve crossed your particular bridge in both those situations — once to take the South Carolina State Board of Dentistry licensing exam (fear) and once to take a cruise to the Bahamas (excitement). It brings me comfort to know that although I don’t always know the outcome of a journey, I can rest secure, because Jesus goes across with me. Thanks for this today, Melissa
Amen. We may not know the outcome of our journey, but wherever we are crossing, God is always with us. Happy New Year! 🙂
I love how you’ve ‘bridged’ the gap between a physical crossing and the metaphoric one going into a new year. It can be daunting, but having a little trust and faith can make it easier, and knowing we’re not alone because many people are crossing the bridge. Wishing you all the very best for a happy, healthy, bright New Year, Mimi!
Caz xx
Yes, we can be comforted knowing God is always with us. Happy New Year! 🙂
Love your analogy of crossing over into the new year. Wishing you a wonderful adventure in 2020! Much love, dear Mimi. xoxo
Thank you dear Karen. Have a blessed 2020! 🙂
Sounds like a great walk! Happy New year!
Yes, a great walk. We were able to enjoy God’s creations. Happy New Year! 🙂
Happy New Year to you as well Melissa! I love that photo! I was just reflecting this morning on how my ‘to do’ needs not be first. I need to place God first and be intentional of letting go of my own self-sufficiency.
Thank you for reading and commenting Lynn. Have a wonderful week! 🙂
Happy New Year, Melissa! Thanks for the reminder to keep God first in our days, and to trust that He’s given us the gifts we need to bridge both the new year and the situations we’ll face this year. He’s a faithful Father, isn’t He?
Yes, God is a faithful Father. 🙂 Have a blessed week!
Happy “crossing” to you and Alan. Sorry this is so late, but your encouragement to focus ourselves on our very capable God and bot our to do lists is always relevant. He is trustworthy. 🙂
Thank you Stephen. Happy New Year! Always good to hear from you. Have a blessed day! 🙂