A new year. Starting fresh! That’s exciting! I was even given a lovely new puzzle at Christmas. The problem? I still haven’t finished the one I was working on last year. Far from it. There it sits unfinished. I chose it, but stalled out and so I am carrying it into the new year. I could throw it out, or just put it back in the box, but it has a special meaning and to discard it would be to pretend it didn’t matter.

Like some hard things in life we face. We start into something new with great expectations, like a brand new year, or a new relationship, but the past is still part of our lives, with its problems, and strain and unfinished business. But, there is hope. God is walking with us through our struggles, and by facing reality, and working at what is not right, choosing His way, together we can truly be set free. It only takes faith the size of a mustard seed. Not much at all. Try it!