New Year's Proverbs

One of my favorite books of the Bible is the book of Proverbs. Often, the most poignant truths come in the package of a few well-chosen words. 

Some time ago a friend sent me a collection of new proverbs and, while you won’t find them in the Bible, I think you’ll appreciate their truth. I have picked out the best of those he sent and edited them for this column. As you move into this new year, perhaps these choice bits of wisdom can make a difference in your life.

           - Life isn’t fair but it’s still a gift.

           - Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick or in trouble. Your friends and family will. Make them your priority.

           - You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

           - Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

           - It’s okay to get angry with God. He’s big enough to take it.

           - Make peace with your past so it won’t mess up the present.

           - Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

           - If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

           - Everything can change in the blink of an eye; but don’t worry. God never blinks.

           - The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.

           - Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

           - No one is in charge your happiness but you.

           - Forgive everyone everything.

           - Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.

           - However good or bad a situation is; it will change.

           - Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.

           - Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

           - Believe in miracles.

           - You are never too old to set another goal or to dream another dream.

           - If we all threw our problems into a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

           - Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

           - God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

           - Even when you don’t understand Him, walk with God; because walking with God is always better than walking alone.

           - All that truly matters in the end is that you have loved.

May this new year be filled with wisdom, love, peace and joy and may God’s presence in your life give meaning to every experience.