The ball drops in Times Square, of New York City. As this blog is posted at 6:00PM CST, it will drop five hours from now. When it reaches the bottom it will be a new year; 2022! I’ve mentioned before how much I like “new”. New is fresh and clean, at least for a while. How long will it take for me to put a spot, or blemish on the New Year coming? Knowing me, not long.
But life isn’t always about counting down to a celebration. In real life, when the ball drops it can mean a lost job, the unexpected death of a family member, a bad medical report, the end of marriage, or some other unexpected, unpleasant event.
I have also mentioned before how I don’t do New Year’s resolutions. I, like so many others, break them in the first week. But there is something I want to change in me. That is how I react to people, things, and even unexpected ball drops. I want to operate in one, or multiple “fruits of the Spirit”. You know them;
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Gal. 5:22-23.
My favorite part of verse 23 is this, “against such things, there is no law.” I take this as to mean that this fruit is from God, and no one can affect them, change them, or remove them! With God’s help, I can renew my mind and my first reaction to anything said, or done will be one of these fruits. Fruit, as we know, provides nutrients that are good for us, and others. Fruit tends to be sweet, delicious, and full of flavor. When this type of change comes about, all will be better for it.
So come on 2022! I’m ready to change!
Happy New Year!
Copyright © 2021 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.
brady, mark a. 
I was straightening up today and came across some notes from a sermon about fruits of the Spirit versus gifts of the Spirit. “Gifts” (healing, miracles, tongues, etc.) imply something instant, but “fruit” implies a process. It also said the way you treat people (with love, patience, gentleness, etc) is more important than impressive “gifts.” I tend to agree, so if the fruit takes time, so be it. The rewards are worth the wait.
Wow! I love what you found today, and that you shared it with us! I have started a study plan to learn more about the fruits of the Spirit. I’m excited for 2022 to get here, and to see how God allows me to feed others with his Spirit’s fruit! I appreciate you as a faithful reader of this blog, but I appreciate more that you take the time to share the wisdom, and knowledge that God has bestowed upon you. Happy New Year, Seekingdivineperspective. Blessings