What is it about a New Year that we decide to do all sorts of things, which, we perhaps have never even considered before?

Most of us decide to make at least one New Years resolution and give up on it after a few days, so it may seem like a waste of time, to even put one together! Does that mean it is a bad idea?

A New Year gives us a chance to start afresh, a bit like a new exercise book at school. Do you remember how good it looked its pages clear of any writing? I would stare at it and vow this book would be neat from the beginning to the end! Some hopes!!

If we look into a New Year and make promises to ourselves, to take on new challenges or try a new sport, perhaps take up tap dancing or vow not to watch any more of that awful programme on television, we may start with very good intentions.
But if things are not as we expect we may give up and then feel cross with ourselves for being so easily distracted from our resolution.
There again, something may grab at our senses, and we are able to continue with the project and see it through to the end.

Faith can be a little like that, fierce and all consuming at first, waning then after the novelty has worn off, rushing back because of something that happens, and disappearing completely for many years until it is sparked again by a new idea or a new resolve.

We can be easily put faith aside, even give up on it, but God never gives up on His creation so don't be surprised if this year of 2006 brings with it some unexpected encounters, or a resolution you did not expect to make, or even achieve!

A very Happy New Year to the whole village of Elstead.

Maggie Bridgett