Turning Over A New Leaf
By: Jean Boonstra
Jamey Simon worked in her grandfather’s store Trekkers. As the customers came in and out of the store she thought about what her new year’s resolution should be.
“Mrs. Lee,” Jamey asked. “What’s your new year’s resolution?”
“That’s easy,” Mrs. Lee answered. “My new year’s resolution is to spend more time with my family. I want to spend less time working and more time enjoying my children.”
“That’s a good resolution Mrs. Lee,” thank you. Thank you for shopping at Trekkers.
“Bye Jamey,” said Mrs. Lee.
Jamey added, “spend more time with my family” to her list. She was making a list of ideas for new year’s resolutions. So far none of them was exactly right.
Mr. Simon set down the pile of paperwork that he’d been going through and walked over to Jamey at the cash register. “Jamey, what are you working on?” he asked.
“Oh, hi Grandad,” Jamey answered. “I’m working on my new year’s resolution. I haven’t decided on one yet. Grandad, what’s your new year’s resolution?”
“Oh well that’s easy,” Mr. Simon answered. “I have the same new year’s resolution every year. It’s a resolution that I decided to make many years ago when your Daddy was a little boy. It has gotten me through many good and bad years.”
Jamey paused thoughtfully for a moment. “What is it Grandad?”
Mr. Simon smiled and answered. “It’s simple really. My resolution is based on a verse in the Bible. 1st Thessalonians 5:18. This verse says “Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Jamey smiled, “I like that verse!”
“Yes, it’s a good one,” Mr. Simon replied. “Every year I remind myself that no matter what’s going on in life there is always something to be thankful for.”
“Grandad, I know what my new year’s resolution will be!” Jamey said excitedly.
“That’s wonderful, what is it?” Mr. Simon asked.
“I’m going to start a prayer journal,” Jamey said with a smile, and then added, “and that verse will be my verse of the year. There is always something to be thankful for and I want to write it all down.”
“Jamey, I like your thinking,” Mr. Simon said.
Jamey reached out and hugged her Grandad. “I’m thankful for you, Grandad. I’m glad that God brought mom, Gadget, and me to Discovery Mountain,” Jamey said setting aside her list.
“Me too sweetheart. Me too.” Mr. Simon answered.
The new year is a wonderful time to thank God for all He’s done for us and to start the tradition of keeping a prayer journal. Download a free copy of your own prayer journal page.
