Not everyone wakes up new year's day with anticipation and excitement for a new beginning. Some wake up feeling exactly the same as they did the day before and the night's festivities, fireworks, and fan fair did nothing for them. These are the realists who know the changing of a calendar does not affect any real change. They are the level- headed ones who know there will still be bills to pay, work to do, and life will go on as it has for years. It's not that they are pessimistic about their future, but they are the nose-to-the-grindstone kind of people who press on against the winds of change and don't get caught up in unrealistic expectations.
On the other hand, there are those who anticipate the new day full of optimism, hope, and energy. They consider the cold winter night only as temporary. They know the season will soon change to spring and beauty will once again abound. They are not irresponsible, but don't make responsibility their primary focus of life. They want to spend time in relationships, loving on their family, enjoying the beauty of the outdoors, and are the first ones to leave work.
Even though the realist and the optimist experience the same life, the way they experience life is very different. One is very driven toward success and the other seeks joy. The responsible one experiences joy when they have fulfilled their responsibilities. Sadly, there will always be more responsibilities that will steal the time they set aside for joy. Responsible people who can never find time to enjoy life don't stop to smell the roses, don't notice the changing of the seasons, don't take vacations with their families, and are the last ones to leave their job. There's just too much to do and no one else will do it.
This year, take steps to learning to live your life with passion and purpose where you can be both responsible and enjoy the gifts life has to offer.
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart,
for God has already approved what you do.”
Ecclesiastes 9:7