December 11, 2024
Jason Bonnicksen
The New Year is upon us again. Where did the days go? One year ago (this day, December 11, as I pen this piece), I was preparing to chat with the call committe of New Hope Luthearn (in Comfrey) for the first time. Then, one month later and just 11 days into the new year, they invited us to an in-person interview. In early February, we visited; then another month passed, and New Hope called me to serve. A few months thereafter, the church warmly welcomed my family into theirs.
Spring, Summer, and Fall quickly came and went. My daughter Gracie became engaged. Her oldest sister Hallie became a first-time mother; and their sister in-between, Emma, moved halfway across the globe.
And now, it’s “burr rabbit” cold again and the Christmas season is in full swing. Soon the ball will drop in Times Square, and we’ll again welcome the New Year. 365 days have come and gone—oh what a year it’s been.
A year ago, the prospect of moving back to Minnesota was still a dream. Yet, these were the days The Lord had made! Tick, tick goes the clock — the minutes and hours speed by. The days and weeks flip just as quickly, and before we know it, so has the year. 365 days can alter our lives with both elation and unexpected sorrow.
A year ago (as far as we knew), my mother-in-law was healthy and fine. Ilene was living life to the fullest. On January 11 (the same day we were invited to interview at New Hope), Ilene and her husband were cruising the Bahamas — sipping down margaritas and having the time of their lives. The smiles on their faces said it all: “These are the days the Lord has made.” “Make them count!”
Little did we know, 11 months later we’d lose her to cancer. One day she was whooping it up in the Bahamian sun, and the next she closed her eyes on this celestial plane and awoke to the embrace of God’s radiant Son.
I can’t stop thinking about how transient life can be. I guess sometimes it takes tragedy to serve up that cold reminder. My mother-in-law didn’t let life pass her by; she embraced every opportunity to explore and meet new people. There wasn’t a stranger who didn’t become a friend. What wonderful lessons Ilene taught us in this life.
I can only speak for myself, but I don’t want another year to pass by, just sitting on the couch watching it go by. I too wanna meet new people and explore some more. I dream of watching my baby graduate from UC, then walking her down the aisle in July’s putrid heat. I’m excited to embrace my future son-in-law’s parents and welcome them into our family. These will be the days the Lord will make! What will they bring?
The Psalmist wrote,
Repeat what the Psalmist wrote aloud, saying with an inflection tone, like: “THIS is the day the Lord has made [therefore don’t let it go to waste!]” No one knows how many days the Lord has ordained. So why waste them? Just consider, in 2024….
Brady, my former secretary’s son, passed away at the young age of 45. Another congregate and friend, Megan, was only 40 but cancer also robbed her of her life. My classmate Mitch died unexpectedly. He was 55, a new grandpa, and just became engaged. From all I can tell, Mitch lived without regrets while embracing the Psalmist refrain. Remembering Mitch as he was, he might have added, “Make the most of it!
Before 2024 comes to an end, consider taking some time to write down what you can do to make the most of every day 2025 gives. If tomorrow were your last, how would you want to live it? If THIS truly is the day the Lord has made, shouldn’t you make the most of it? We each should while rejoicing and being glad in it.
Dream. Explore. Meet new people. Joyfully embrace each of the next how-many-ever days the Lord gives. This is, after all, the day the Lord has made. Live it fully with intention!
© 2024 Jason Bonnicksen Ministries. All rights reserved
Wonderful message. Great reflection of why life is so precious. We must live each day to the fullest.
“Keep the Faith”
AMEN
Excellent advice beautifully expressed! We are so extremely blessed to have you leading our congregation & hope we are a blessing to you & Danielle as well. So very sorry for your many losses this year & praying for a peaceful Christmas & joyous New Year for you & your family.