Valentine's Day is not always a day filled with loving sentiments for all. Many people actually feel great depression and loss of hope on this one day. Social Media and tv commercials present many visuals and messaging that would imply that everyone has someone to love. While statistics sky rocket with growing and alarming incidences of alcohol/drug abuse, depression, anxiety and suicide--we know this is fake news but, it still has the power to alter your senses and impose negative thoughts that are anything but loving. One simple scripture phrase from John 15 is all you need if you have faith to believe.
Every time I embark upon a new year I begin that journey with new goals for living my best life and being the most fit instrument of God's grace. Emotionally or physically I always have work to do. February is that month when I reflect back to January's goals I set for myself--how many times I have felt so discouraged because despite my enthusiastic desire to make changes; I have fallen short time and time again after just 31 days! For some reason this month I've been thinking about how many times our Lord used "fish" and "fishing" as teaching moments for His apostles especially when they have felt discouraged. Those same lessons can make a difference for us in 2022 to encourage us to stay in the boat and forge ahead with our goals because God is always guiding our rods. Continuing to cast our nets can be transformational with courage, confidence and commitment to His will for our lives.