On New Year’s Morning, 2021, we woke to a very majestic site; everything was covered in a beautiful blanket of snow. My first thought was “it’s fleece was white as snow.” On this new day, the first one of a new year, we had a pure white beginning.

It is an understatement to say 2020 was a year filled with uncertainty, hostility, pain, loneliness, and isolation to mention a few. The year also ushered in loss of freedoms, a misguided sense of safety-ism cloaked as patriotism, riots, political upheaval designed to distract and confuse. Media fed on the issues facing Americans like flies on manure; and their biases exemplified their fly diet.

A year such as 2020 demands some adjustment in perspective. The normal cadence of life is disrupted and only a few people are telling all the people what they must and/or should do. Even common citizens self-appointed themselves as social police—calling out others over masks and social distancing.

Yes, a year like 2020 brings out the worst in some people, organizations, politicians and talking heads. However, a year like 2020 also brings out the best in people. It is the God-given, human spirit that overcomes the adversity and shows kindness, generosity and the love of Jesus to those in need.

Hopefully, 2020 allowed and made us focus on what is important and what is not. We had to slow down in some areas of our life and completely cancel so many plans. Everyone was affected by the pandemic and the fallout it created and continues to create.

That pure white snow on January 1, 2021 was a sign to me that my God likes fresh, clean, new beginnings. Although weary from the chaos around me and angry over the deception and corruption surrounding all of us, I believe we are on the brink of a new beginning. It is not what a lot of people believe—those who look at the secular world—but instead a redirecting, a full-circle back to what really matters in life.

Just like the first buds of spring, there are seeds taking root, sprouting and growing. Jesus is at work my friend—in you, in me, in countless others across this country and around the world.

Be strong! Do not Fear! Spring—a new day, my friend, is on the way!

Jerusalem, worship God! Zion, praise your God! He made your city secure, he blessed your children among you. He keeps the peace at your borders, he puts the best bread on your tables. He launches his promises earthward— how swift and sure they come! He spreads snow like a white fleece, he scatters frost like ashes, He broadcasts hail like birdseed— who can survive his winter? Then he gives the command and it all melts; he breathes on winter—suddenly it’s spring!

Psalm 147:12-18 (MSG)