We welcomed 2017 earlier today with a beautiful blanket of snowy “wonderfulness.” I felt as if I’d been given a divine gift. I shared my morning walk earlier on Instagram and on Facebook. We’d love to have you follow us!

It’s been an amazing year for me and for the launch of 31daily.com. We’ve gained so many readers and made some special friendships. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your input and support. Looking forward to what 2017 will bring!

There is a scripture I often think of at year’s end. Speaking of the transformation of faith, it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

“Old things are passed away;
behold, all things become new.”

Letting go of the familiar can be difficult at times.

Saying goodbye to… anything, for me, is most difficult.

And 2017 will be a year of goodbye for my family.

But when one door closes another opens.

Our 18-year-old will say “goodbye” to high school this spring and he will say “hello” to college in the fall. And that will be bittersweet.

There is a fondness in familiarity that is touching and deep.

Robert Burns felt the same way… back in 1788 when he penned words most familiar…

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Written in Burns’ Scottish brogue, he poses the question, “Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?” Or in today’s vernacular… “Is is right for old times to be forgotten?”

In charm school — way back when I was a child — we memorized a poem I’ll never forget:

“Make new friends,
but keep the old;
one is silver
and the other gold.”

The same can be said of the past… and the future.

One is silver… and the other gold.

It’s simply a matter of perspective. Even difficult seasons have threads of silver and gold. Train the eye to glimpse the treasure.

Learn from the past, embrace today… and look forward to the future.

To quote one more favorite scripture in Jeremiah:

“‘For I know that plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord.
‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans
to give you hope and a future’.”

The future is near.

2017 will be an amazing year. We’ll reap what we invest.

May your New Year be filled with hope and a bright future. Embrace that which becomes new!

Happy New Year…

Stephanie

31Daily
A Daily Dose of What Matters Most