“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise — think about these things.”

We’re four days into the New Year and I’m wondering: How is it going for you so far? So far, so good; better than you expected; or are you so angry at the question that you have ripped up the paper and thrown it in the trash?

New Years are wonderful – most of the time. They are an opportunity for us to hit a ‘reset’ button. To start over, start anew, dream new dreams, let go off old stuff that doesn’t work anymore. No matter what 2018 was for you, it’s gone. Over. Done. Now we get to head into something new.

If I was going to give you a gift for the New Year, I would want the same gift that I would like to receive: a reminder of the words from Paul to the church at Philippi – if it’s true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. Keep at it, work on it, practice it every day. Think about these things.

We all spend our time spinning our mental wheels on things that are not helpful. We know we do it, we don’t like that we do it. But we do it anyway. We can’t help it. Or can we?

Think the world is a mess and there is no hope? Then do something positive – take somebody out for lunch, give them a compliment, do some recycling to take care of this planet.

Think you are no good? Remember that you are a beloved child of God, made in God’s image. You are not junk. You are not all bad. Embrace who you are, good and bad together, and know that even the crummy stuff has something to teach you.

Think you are being used all the time? Then discover what you are doing that makes that happen and quit. Don’t blame someone else for you allowing yourself to be a sucker.

Watch what you think. What we think is what we become. We can be bitter, resentful and angry at what has happened to us, or what we have allowed to happen. Or we can be determined, compassionate and caring. Watch what you think.

I know that’s a bit of an overgeneralization. We are really all of that. Negative thoughts will always pop into our heads, no matter how determined and diligent we are with our thought process. But when the bad stuff happens, when the doubts creep in, watch your thoughts. Think about these things – those things which are good and just and peaceful.

And have a happy and blessed 2019!

REV. TOM ROBINSON can be reached at robin216@ embarqmail.com.