At any point in time, we are living an answered prayer. For a while, I’ve wanted to have a New York Christmas and this year I was blessed to do so. Everyday spent there was packed with activities. I walked over 32,000 steps which was about 13 miles, I visited several popular and iconic places, I met some really kind people and ate great food. God really prepared the city for His children and I couldn’t be more thankful!
With that, I wanted to share some life lessons from my time in the city.

You can take this as encouragement going into the new year, your next week or day.

1. Be the light
Part of what makes NYC so attractive are the lights of the city, so you should be a light in your own city and attract people to God.

Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

2. Be different.
No matter how hard I tried to blend in, the locals always knew I was from out of town and it reminded me of Philippians 3:20, “But our citizenship is in heaven.” So don’t worry about fitting into places that are only temporary stays.

3. Be led correctly.
I walked A LOT in the city. Part of what made walking difficult was the maps app on my iPhone was inconsistent. While I was walking it didn’t update, it didn’t show me my location on the map, etc. So it made my journey hard. Where do you get your directions? Being led by God and his word will make you more equipped for journey. Notice I didn’t say easier, but you’ll have everything you need, lacking nothing.

Romans 8:14
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

4. Put your gift on display.
Times Square is a melting pot of talent. Within a matter of minutes you’ll hear singers, see dancers, have your picture taken by photographers, see people in costumes or people cooking. Every person coming together to use their gift and talent makes the experience of Times Square unique. Why not use your gift to give your community a unique experience?

1 Peter 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

4. Live up to the expectation.

I was speaking to a man in Central Park and he said, “You must be from the south.” I asked him how he guessed correctly and he said, “Because you are too kind.” There’s a certain label and expectation associated with southerners, to be kind, have charm and show that good ole hospitality. There’s also a certain label and expectation for the children of God, to bear fruit, love each other, fear the Lord, act justly, walk humbly and do the work of the plentiful harvest. Are you striving to live up to that expectation?

5. Always within sight.
There were so many people in the city during the holiday. Especially at highly sought places such as Times Square, Central Park or the Giant Red Christmas Ornaments. My sister is pretty tiny so I wanted to make sure I had an eye on her when going through the crowds. I would hold onto her or put her in front of me. God does the same with us, we can’t get lost from His sight. No matter how much we bury ourselves in our mistakes or sins or shortcomings He always has His eyes on us.

Psalm 139:7-12
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

I hope you had a beautiful Christmas and your New Year is blessed!

See you next year friends!