A Year Of Growth

January 02, 2018 | By Chuck

Like most years, 2017 had its ups and downs. There were highs and lows, good times and no so good times. Still, I have a very difficult time categorizing 2017 as a "bad year". Were there bad times? Of course, and some were very challenging, but, let's not forget the positive. The positive is two-fold. First, we all experienced some very good times in 2017. From wonderful trips and vacations spent with family and friends to new job opportunities and new births. I think if we look hard enough we'll see some good times left behind in 2017. Much of life is about making memories with those we love because this life is so short, so don't overlook or ignore the good memories from 2017. The other positive is the growth we experience from bad times. That's right, there is positive that even comes from our most difficult times of 2017. Unfortunately, it seems when we take the time to reflect over a completed year that we have a tendency to focus on the bad times. I'm sure we all endured some difficult experiences last year, but instead of focusing on the negative aspect, why not find the positive. The positive aspect of every single bad experience is that we grow as a result. None of us like going through bad times, I sure don't. But, James teaches us that those bad times are good for us and mature us. As you reflect on the good and bad times of 2017, don't forget to notice the growth you experienced as well. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."(James 1:2-4)