Numbers 6:22-27 NIV [22] The Lord said to Moses, [23] “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: [24] “ ‘ “The Lord bless you and keep you; [25] the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; [26] the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’ [27] “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” May this priestly blessing rest upon each one of us as we begin a new year. A new year brings new beginnings, new resolutions to improve. Many of us will promise to lose weight, get more exercise, stop smoking, drink less, etc. How many of us will resolve to grow in our knowledge of the Bible, or spend more time in prayer or be more Christ-like in our dealings with others? There's an old saying, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life." Today is the perfect day to recommit ourselves to following Jesus more closely, acting with love and compassion, forgiving old injuries, and working for justice with renewed vigor. As we have been blessed by God, so must we be a blessing for others. Who are the people in your life, in my life, that need a blessing today? Who are the strangers we meet who just need a smile, a nod, recognition of their existence? Maybe it's you that needs to look into a mirror and tell yourself that God loves you and has blessed you to his purpose. By committing ourselves to live each day as Jesus would, we are fulfilling the mission that we are called to by God. As we begin this New Year, let us pray.