I have to be honest – some weeks are really tough. I really can’t explain it. You see, there seems to be a pattern here. I can literally go for months and seemingly have everything going well with my vehicles, household appliances, etc. Everything is running so smoothly that I don’t even think about those things. Then it happens. One thing breaks down, and it’s as if that problem is as contagious as the plague!

Recently, I had two different vehicles in the shop with fairly significant problems. These issues have lasted several days and negatively affected my normal schedule (and, of course, the weight of my billfold). To tell you the truth, I admit that the thought of a “new car” drifted across my mind more than once. You see, I would LOVE to be able to go down and purchase new vehicles when they give the headaches like I have gotten this week.

Let’s face it, it is really fun getting new things. They bring about a kind of comfort and excitement that makes us feel like we are being reset, getting a new start. I am so glad that God allows us opportunities for new chances in this life. For example:

• All students (and especially teachers!) really enjoy their summer break and are then better able to look forward to the excitement and challenge of a new school year.

• Many look at January, the first month of the year, as the month for new resolutions and a chance to restart with a “clean slate”. We can resolve to be kinder, get better grades, help more around the house, lose weight, save money, be better organized, etc.

• Even the promise of a brand new day often gives a new perspective and resolve to tackle challenges and problems that faced us the day before.

The reality is that we should take advantage of and outright enjoy the “new” opportunities that allow us to get a fresh start in this life. However, it is important to remember that there are limitations to the “new” things we receive on earth. They will get older. They will become “used” quickly. They will gradually become tainted and lose their “shine." And yes, they will eventually break down and have to be replaced.

That’s exactly why it is important for us to always be investing in eternity. The “new” that each of us receives after this life is permanent and will last forever. It reminds me of a phrase I heard many years ago that often comes to mind. “Only one life – will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

2 Corinthians 2 5:17 - "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Revelation 21:4 - "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."