Everyday Encouragement #4: All Things New

Monday.

Just the word can bring a thousand things rushing to the forefront of our minds.

The stress is real.

The to-do lists long.

The schedule packed.

Yet as I woke up this morning, everything a winter wonderland outside my window, the crisp white snow glistening in icy splendor, the phrase fresh and new came to mind.

As much as Mondays are dreaded for many reasons, there is also something sweet about a new week, a new beginning, a fresh seven days stretching out before us.

It’s the time of year where everywhere you look broadcasts the fact that it’s now 2017 and that 2017 will be YOUR year! Just do these ten things for a better you! These five things to achieve your goals! These one hundred things to make your life amazing! While none of these lists are inherently wrong  — the bombardment of all of them at once feels overwhelming — and personally, it makes me feel like I’m already behind, already failing, already missing the mark…and it’s only January 9th!

Yet — the snap of cold in the air, the pristine snow, the calendar showing its Monday once again assures us that it is not too late, another seven days is before us, another day of breath, of life, is here — all things are new. No matter what yesterday brought, no matter the resolutions we’re already struggling with — today is here — and all things are new.

If the thought of a new week isn’t quite enough encouragement today — can I remind you of something, or rather Someone, who is the absolute best at making all things new? Just like the white snow on a Monday, our Savior has made us new — new creations in Him, washed clean by His sacrificed life, while His incomprehensible grace continues to give us hope for each new day.

On this Monday morning — whatever the view out your window or the amount of tasks on your list, remember — all things are new today, just like a fresh snow and just like a redeemed heart. Here’s to a new week!

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“This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

~Psalm 118:24

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“And He who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.'”

~Revelation 21:5