Romans 12:2 – Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (NLT)

As he clung to the side of his cage, I could see that he needed more room to fly around. My little love bird had long outgrown his old starter cage and was ready for one that he could move around in more. So, one Christmas, I asked for a new cage for Peachy as a gift, and I received a nice, roomy one for my not-so-excited feathered friend. It was big enough for him to move around in and not just cling to the side. It had two perches and nice feeder bowls that hung from the easy access doors. But this bewildered little bird fought me all the way, flapping his wings and biting the hand that feeds him until I thought I would cry.

Peachy was given a new start and a new way of life, but unfortunately, he was so used to the old ways that even after he got his new life, he clung to his old ways and spent his days hanging from the sides of his new cage.

Sometimes, I think that I am much like my sweet Peachy! God offers me peace, power, and love, but I cling to the old memories, old hurts, and old worries! What must our God think, when He offers us so much, but we settle for so little?

This new year, I want to be all that He wants me to be and accept all that He has for me. The Bible says that God had our life planned even before we were born. Do we, like Peachy, hang on ferociously to old things, instead of grasping our new freedom in Christ? Peachy has finally begun sitting on his new perches and spending less time on the sides of his cage. We, too, need to move away from our old habits and grab for all that God has planned for us.

Prayer: Lord, may we loosen our grasp on the past and enjoy what You have for us today and in this next year! Amen.