But there are times when not being content can be alright. Each year for example millions of people decide they will do something to make next year better. Also known as New Year Resolutions, it is about the realisation that each decision we make has consequences. So maybe we should be making good choices with good outcomes for 2018. Taking some time to reflect on who we are, what we have been through, and where we have come from is generally a good thing. It can help us think about where we want to be and what we need to do to get there.

For some, it will be in the form of better physical health. People make choices to be leaner, stronger, and tougher. Apparently emotional well being is connected to physical well being so there are added benefits to good diet and exercise.

Or perhaps we could all read more. Good books can expand our horizons. Here’s a hot tip: read about something (or by someone) you disagree with. We don’t have to agree (but maybe we will anyway), but it is important to know how people get to their conclusions. Perhaps if we all did this, the world would be a more tolerant place.

For followers of Jesus, how about reading more of the Bible? There are many free tools and resources out there that could help. As people who claim to live according to God’s Word, how well do we actually know it? The Holy Scriptures have comforted, confronted, encouraged, inspired, and impacted millions of lives for millennia. Surely we could all do with more of God’s Word in all our lives for 2018.

All brickbats, bouquets and banter welcome at pastor@pmbc.org.au