One November we ordered a new automobile, which did not arrive until the new year. As we cleaned out the old car, I muttered, “How did we accumulate so much junk?” We sorted through old maps, dried-up ballpoint pens, outdated addresses and loose coins.
We made unwavering resolutions about keeping this new car clean, orderly and functioning properly. Thinking about resolutions, I sensed a connection between a new car and a new year. The first order of business is to clear out the clutter, discard the useless, remove the dust and dirt. Begin fresh!
A new year can begin anytime in our lives. We can sort through old attitudes, clean our minds of envy, toss out the habits of gossip and carrying grudges. We can resolve to keep our promises and curb our anger.
I stood back and surveyed the fresh, shiny car. Yes, a new year could begin anytime or any place. A lot of things from the past need discarding. Things we collect that are of no more value or usefulness need to be trashed. Paul wrote, “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds” (Col. 3: 8-9).
It is amazing how a brand new car changes your life. None of the old squeaks, rattles and knocks. Cruising down the road in a brand new auto is a delight. So is the journey ahead, if we can truly forget things in the past and press on to greater things.
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