Venezuelans have a tradition that is still seen in the rural areas of the country. Each year, late in the month of December, they find a set of old clothes and stuff them with newspaper and other trash. Some families even put a pair of shoes and a hat on this scarecrow-like man. He is affectionately known as “The Old Year,” and, on December 31st, they burn him as a way of marking the end of the old year, and welcoming in the new one.
This tradition has come to mind for me this year in light of the difficult year it has been for many of my friends and loved ones. They continue to be in my prayers and much of my encouragement today is specifically for them.
It was a year of joy: births, adoptions, graduations...
It was also a year of sorrow: loss of a loved one, illness, stress at work/school...
Yet we saw God’s hand of blessing in the good times and the bad, even in the midst of tragedy: Floods in Louisiana, fires in Gatlinburg, and the hurricane in the Carolinas.
Not to mention the horrible situation in Venezuela...
Whatever 2016 brought to you personally, your family, your community, or your country (and in honor of this month’s theme), I encourage you to allow this past year to rest in peace.
“Part of forgiveness is giving up all hope of a better past.” ~ Lily Tomlin.
Let’s look forward to what God will do in and through us in 2017!
God’s mercies are new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23), therefore we can begin each day anew. However, a new year is a good time to leave the past in the past and begin with a fresh start.
Rest in peace, 2016. We are ready to welcome in the New Year!
#IronRoseSister #peace #newyear #Venezuela