Happy New Year!

Posted Jan 13, 05:10 PM by Kay Camenisch

As we hang up a new calendar, the greeting “Happy New Year” seems hollow to many, because life doesn’t seem to hold much hope for happiness. While gas prices have dropped dramatically, that’s small consolation to people who have lost their homes or their jobs. The threat of a terrorist attack remains. The financial market is in a panic. On top of that, our country is going so far into debt that it seems our whole nation might sink. As if that’s not enough, we get warnings in the “news” that we’re in danger from global warming, and that a solar flare could cripple us for months. How can we have a Happy New Year in the midst of such?

And yet, a couple of weeks ago, I was on the fringes of a conversation about our economic situation. One of the group said, “I really don’t care what happens as long as I’m happy.”

Hmmm. Is that what makes life worthwhile? Being happy? Maybe “Happy New Year” is appropriate after all, if that’s our goal. (That could explain the present state of our economy—our pursuit of happiness compels us to spend beyond our means.)

However, I wonder if maybe we need to adjust our goal—and our greeting. I hope each of you has a wonderful New Year, but I’d like to change the greeting to “Have a Blessed New Year,” or “May your New Year be Blessed.” Seeking happiness focuses on ourselves and fulfilling our fleshly desires. Blessings come from the Lord and direct our focus to Him.

I also wish for you a prosperous New Year. But then, I’m not thinking about a big house, a fancy car, an overstuffed wallet, or all the latest gadgets. Oh, those things are nice, but I wish for you riches (1) in relationships (with God and with others), (2) in character, and (3) in accomplishing what God has prepared for you to do this year.

And I pray that as you are blessed by God and prosper in all those things, that you will also be happy. But I hope it’s a deep sense of joy that flows from within, not a fleeting pleasure from self-gratification.

May your New Year be Blessed Indeed,
Kay Camenisch