With a New Year beginning, and an old year left behind, it’s sometimes easier to focus on a person’s regrets about not doing all the things they had planned to do in the previous year. Or some might dwell upon the regrets of not doing or saying what they should have in the old year, rather than focusing on the opportunity to say or do things in a better way during the New Year.

After losing my husband last summer, which I’m sure, is part of the grieving process, there have been a few times when I’ve thought about some things I could have said or done differently over the years, or even during the days shortly before his passing. But then, I must call myself up short, knowing that I did my best, and so I change my focus to remembering many of the good times we had together, and how we kept the promises we had made to each other when we said our wedding vows. I also think about the last words Richard and I spoke to each other, less than 24 hours before his death. We kissed one final time, and both said, “I love you.” That is most certainly worth focusing on, don’t you think?

How about you? Are you looking forward to what lies ahead in the New Year, and leaving any regrets from the previous year behind?

In Philippians 3:13&14, this is what God’s Word says about regrets: “but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

At this time of the year, I often think about some of the things I’m most thankful for. Even when we are going through difficult times there is always something to praise God for and be thankful. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:18.

As I reflect on some of the things I am most thankful for, the following comes to mind: My relatives. My friends. My church family. My pastor and his wife. My publisher. My dear readers. The joy of writing books. Memories of the years I had with my loving husband. My faith in God, and knowing how much He loves and cares for me. “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love endures forever.” I Chronicles 16:34.

What are some of the things you’re most thankful for today?

Shortly after my husband’s death, I received a message from one of my readers. Without quoting it word for word, it went something like this: “Do you realize that the whole world is watching you right now? You and your family have been through a lot in the last few years, but your faith has remained strong. Now you’re faced with another tragic situation, and, once again, the world is watching to see if your faith holds steady.”

This message was an eye-opener for me. Although, realistically, the entire world doesn’t know about my husband’s passing, or all of the other things my family has been faced with in recent years. However, the people I know personally, and those who follow me on my social media pages, or my faithful readers, are most likely aware of the events that have been challenging for me and the rest of my family. People are not just watching me, though. If you are a believer in Christ Jesus, and have put your trust in the Lord, then you can be sure that people are watching to see how you deal with life’s challenges. They want to know if your faith will hold true. They need to see the love of Jesus, shining through.

In order to remain strong in my faith, I must pray often, read my Bible, regularly, and focus on all the good things God has provided. When doubts creep in, and my faith is tested, I run to Jesus, and He ministers to me.

Has your faith been shaken recently? If so, what things are you doing to make it stronger? Does it help or hinder to know that people are watching you?