Did you know that the brain works in a way that remembers the bad things in life more than it does the positive things. 

 

Imagine you’ve had a pretty good school year. 

You’ve finished quite well, you’re contented with how it has worked out in the end. 

Good job. Well done. 

But if I were to ask you to name something really good that happened, I think you’d struggle and need a moment to think. 

 

If I asked you then to think of something embarrassing or something that went wrong, you’d probably name several. 

Why? Because the bad stuff sticks. 

But we have Jesus who calls us to start afresh with God every day, every hour, every minute if we need it. 

The mistakes get rubbed out, the arguments are forgiven and the disappointments become insignificant. 

 

As we finish this year. Take a moment and smile. 

Say goodbye to last year. And look forward to a new start. 

Give thanks for the things that do come to mind. 

And ask God to help you get past or get over the things that still stick in your mind. 

Because we have a God who has plans for you, plans for you to succeed and flourish and shine. 

 

Father God, 

We give you thanks for the year that has passed. 

For the lessons we learned and the things that have shaped us into who we are now and what we will be in the future. 

Help us to leave behind the mistakes of yesterday, give us a fresh start, and may your spirit work in us to make us into the people you want us to be. 

So, until we meet again, lead us in the right ways that bring glory to you and peace to us all. 

In the name of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

Amen.