By: Gabriela Yareliz
The fact that this is my 23rd reflection is ironic and perfect. It’s like a lot of those things in life that we don’t plan, but they happen at the right moment.
We age, day by day, and it is a privilege we must embrace to grow our souls into flourishing gardens. I have so much to learn, and I just wanted to write this and say that I am so grateful for everything that has been fulfilled in my life. God has been so good to me in just 2015 alone–and His goodness transcends time. He has been the most perfect Father. The most faithful friend.
As I see how good God has been to me, I am reminded of the verses in Jeremiah:
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you.” 31:3
“Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work, declares the Lord.” 31:16
“There is hope for your future, declares the Lord.” 31:17
It’s so important to see every choice and every reaction as a step forward or backward on the path you want to go down. I really want to take the right steps that lead me to being the person I want to be in Christ.
As this year progresses, I want to keep my focus on Christ. I want to value my peace in God above all other things, even above the things I may want (my own will). I want to love without limits and without fear of breaking. More than anything, I want humility. I want to break, and not only break but pour myself out. I want to stand valiantly for what I believe in. I want to show my faith and hope in my actions and in my vision.
I don’t want to be comfortable; I don’t want to be average; I don’t want to be afraid; I don’t want to be filled with pride; I don’t want to be self-centered– I want to be more like Christ, and I want to keep becoming someone that the young version of me aspired to be.
I want to honor others, inspire others, accept others, love others, and reflect that love through service.
Tonight, as I am reflecting on who I want to be, the promises I have made to myself and God, I realized that I have everything I could ever want or need. I have the most amazing family who are my lifeline, longsuffering friends, dynamic coworkers, health, life and a God who is King of everything, who calls me friend and child and who has promised and shown me that He will never leave or forsake me.
The lyrics of Be Thou My Vision, sum it up quite well.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whate’er befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
GABRIELA YARELIZ 