Seek a fresh goal every day, Look on all things new.

EVERY first of January, so it says in the 1862 Book of Days, is at once a resting place for thought and meditations, and a starting point for fresh exertion in the performance of our journey.

The Book of Days then goes on, rather cheekily, to suggest that, “The man who does not at least propose to himself to be better this year than he was last, must either be very good or very bad indeed.”

Well, I think most of us probably fall somewhere in the middle of that assessment; not too bad – but not as good as we might be.

Resolutions are all very well – and often all very temporary – but if we try to be better this year than we were last year, and then do the same next year, then step by step, year by year, we shall edge ever closer to being “very good indeed”.

As we commit to such improvements, we become very aware of the limitations of our will-power. But there is always help on hand.

Drawing on the Good Lord’s strength and support, may we all be new and better creations in His service, in this year of 2017 and beyond.