January Chaplain's Reflection Published Jan. 2, 2014 By 1st Lt. Christina Pittman 169th Fighter Wing MCENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, S.C. -- "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us," -Ralph Waldo Emerson. About this time of year, many people examine how well they did on their New Year's resolutions made last year. How about you? Are you wondering why you slipped up or are you sailing along, content with your success? Often times, an unsuccessful history and a not so hopeful outlook can affect our goals. Emerson gives a key to overcoming the circumstances in our lives and that is to focus on "what lies within us." As hard as we may try, our past experiences, family and the world do play into our minds whenever we face a challenge, But as Emerson's says, these are "tiny matters". Even though difficult circumstances can cripple us, whether by choice or not, they do not have to define us! Each of us has a human spirit and a will to rise above our circumstances and be better than we were before. The Bible speaks to the hope available to strengthen our spirit in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (NIV). I believe that what lies within us to face an uncertain future and the challenges of meeting our goals, is hope. Wrapped up in our very being is everything we need to find hope. Choosing the power of God at work within us, we can know the blessing of having a hope and a future.