The morning of the storm, we geared up for a walk. Despite weather warnings, we drove to the beach. Sure enough, six-foot swells crested with great urgency and power. Broken bits of shell crunched underfoot along the hard-packed sand at low tide. Feathers of all sorts and sizes stuck to wet surfaces, and lacey seafoam flew through the air; rolling and dancing.

Rain poured in sheets over us, dripping from the rims of our hats. A large flock of seagulls huddled together near the edge of the shoreline, moving back slowly as the tide inched closer and closer. A little Sanderling ran back and forth in front of us, keeping pace. A Sandpiper stood alone in the surf, unmoving. Water swirled around and around the tiny legs. They were steady.

I fancied a competition of sorts while watching the waves ebb and flow. One wave would reach up the shoreline a good two feet further than another, only to fall back as the next took its turn. I clearly heard: “This far you may come, but no farther, and here your proud waves must stop!” (Job 38:11) Our perceived earthly successes in any given areas, or lack thereof, all come to an end. Every one of us reaches an end-point, regardless. We can only go so far, and no farther, without God.

Continuing my walk, I wondered about the year to come. Events unfolding on the news have caused anxiety for many. Fear can keep us from trusting God’s protection as we step out into the unknown.

Perhaps, like the shorebirds, we can face daily circumstances—huddled up together, or standing alone—without fear. It is God’s grace that gives power to the weak and makes them strong.

Our goals for the new year can start from a place of grace. With a mindset of encouraging and helping other people, we can boldly ask the Lord to bless and enlarge our lives. There is a lot we can do on our own, but so much more when we receive God’s blessing.

Let’s extend as much gentleness to one another as we can in 2024. Then, no matter what comes, we will truly have a successful new year!