Most of you probably know we use the Gregorian calendar. What is it? In 1582 it was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII (Google) to coincide Easter with the spring equinox.

Compared to the Julian calendar which was used previously, it still had 12 months, but February now had to coincide with an even number year every four years to regulate the leap year and keep the calendar in balance.

The Julian calendar had 29 days in February every fourth year, but not falling in an even-numbered year, so the solar calendar was off by 11 minutes. I’m sure all you math people can dig deeper into this, but I’m trying to keep it simple.

In the sixteenth century, countries had agreed on using the Julian calendar. North Korea doesn’t use the Gregorian calendar. (I wonder how they keep up with what the rest of the world is doing on what date? Hmm…).

Some people make resolutions in January for the year. Many times, it’s to lose weight after all the special foods eaten at the holidays, sometimes it’s just to change personal habits. Did you make any resolutions January 1^st?

I’ve found that January has brought quite a few health challenges to our family which seem like giant drowning waves, but there is good news.

When we focus on Jesus, he’s there to help. Just like Peter lost track of focusing on Jesus when he walked on water and began to sink, that’s what happens to us. We won’t sink, even though it feels like it. God has a plan for our lives, no matter how grim or rough the seas are.

We just need to stay close to our Lord. Heb 12:3 – “Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (NIV)

Let’s not lose heart no matter what the calendar says. Whether you let your resolutions slip, or want to give up on things improving, remember God is always loving you no matter what. Your horizon will soon look like this.