David Webster, Author at 1Africa

Why church?

David Webster

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January 26, 2016

Africa is full of churches. Having travelled throughout the world, it is very apparent that Africa is very receptive to the concept of church. From small mud buildings in the small town of Gwai, Zimbabwe, the open-air plot where San communities Ghantsi, Botswana used to gather, to the megachurches of Nigeria – church has become a cultural activity. Hundreds of thousands of people dress up on Sunday morning and head to church.

Having grown up around church and missions, however, there has always been a nagging question throughout my experience of church. It has helped me address so much of what I believe personally and has ensured that I am not just a product of my environment, but have my own faith.

This question can very easily be ignored or suppressed by those who go to church. It will make some uncomfortable and catch some off-guard, but it is so important.

Why does the church exist? Or rather, how does church contribute to life on this planet?

You see, if you ask this question, you have to eradicate any generalised answers like “I was raised this way” or “I want to feel better about myself”. No longer can church just be a way of doing life, or an appeasement for your conscience.

I believe the original concept of church, set up in the Bible in Acts, is relevant to its very core. Here are some ways I believe church is relevant:

Being Part of Something Bigger

We were not made to do life on our own. Relating to people is fundamental to the health of our soul. But it doesn’t only stop at community. You can have a good time with people anywhere, but life can still be all about yourself – your aspirations, your emotions, your success. The moment there is vision for more than just your own life, but for a group of people that meet every week, you are part of something bigger than yourself.

Putting aside your own agenda for a greater cause not only relieves the pressure you put on yourself to control and determine what you achieve in life, but it also encourages unity as the whole body of people progress constructively to improve their city. In this way, you are not only encouraged to thrive yourself, but know that there are a whole lot more like-minded people doing exactly the same. You have a broader picture of what life truly is and there is a progressive understanding that everyone is playing the part for a greater vision than just their own.

Social Impact

I love that my local church is one of the first ports of call for the city when there is a crisis. The power of a group of people that is generous is undeniable. You may look at the state of church in general across Africa and get upset by how money is being extorted, but the original plan for church is that encouraged generosity through sharing – not manipulating.

Living generously forces you to not claw frantically to what you have, but helps you recognise the needs of others as well as your own. An open hand may mean giving to others, but it also enables you to receive from others. It is the church’s mandate to feed the poor and look after the widow and the orphan. If this is not happening, then the relevance of church should definitely be questioned.

Aside from charitable giving, the church is also a place where people who are facing hard times can heal and be encouraged. It is one organisation where the person walking in needing counselling and the response to something like a natural disaster would both be addressed.

It is God’s plan for you

It astounds me how many people go to church but don’t have a relevant, vibrant relationship with God. Without personal revelation of who God is – that he is alive and interested in you – the church could be seen as a social obligation or an empty organisation. The church should be a place where people who are searching for God will find him and not just find a program, lifestyle or way of thinking.

Out of that personal place of fulfilment, the church is where you can be encouraged to grow spiritually. The message of salvation has eternal outcomes, but is also all about your life right now. Accepting God into your life should affect the way you live. People should see that there is something different about you. Things will change – and that’s where the support and encouragement of the church will help you define what you believe.

If you would like to understand church fully, I would encourage you to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Everything around a thriving healthy church is built around the relationship with him.

I don’t know what your experience of church has been. To some, church has felt like a hollow institution, to others is conjures up feelings of condemnation and judgement. If that has been the case, I would encourage you to take a closer look at what church truly should be. Church is the one organisation that exists for those that aren’t a part of it yet. When a church is relevant, it is vibrant and messy and exciting but definitely not perfect.

Laura Mvula: Not an ounce of pretense

David Webster

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January 22, 2016

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If you haven’t heard of this extraordinary artist, I want to encourage you to take some time out and listen. The combination of Caribbean culture, a British upbringing, experience from a young age with a cappella groups, neo-soul/jazz, and a composition degree all add up to a seriously interesting sound.

I would call this music engaging and simulating. The arrangements are absolutely genius – the use of vocals especially create an overlaid texture that you can’t deny is extremely satisfying. As a music student, I studied African music and there are many elements that can be identified in Mvula’s style. The antiphonal nature of vocals at times, the repetitive nature of the sequences, and the untainted soul of the vocals truly lend themselves to the African and Caribbean idiom. That being said, these elements have been masterfully modernised with distinct rhythms, a masterfully tasteful approach to form and classical horns, harps, strings, and chimes.

Laura wields all this skill gracefully, creating such a rich musical experience that there is no space for any ‘celebrity’ or ‘hype’. All of that gives way to a deep respect and sense of wonder.

Her latest single, Overcome, was released a week ago. It is a glorious addition to her broad catalogue with a clear progression that still embodies all of who she is musically. The strings and horns are accented by a dry electric guitar and tied down with meaty drums and even some electronic effects. The vocals are still king, though, and the layers of sonic texture build masterfully.

Laura’s music videos are also a celebration of culture. Her use of black dancers is a continuous thread throughout. One excellent example is the video for That’s Alright. The fun, bombastic nature of the music carries the powerful words in a way that allows the message of racial self-confidence to permeate in a way that no one could twist it if they tried. Even her dancing in front a group of vintage-dressed white people is effective without being biased or accusatory.

All in all, I love it when artists are so definitely themselves. There isn’t an ounce of pretense in anything Laura Mvula has done. I hope many more people are inspired to work on their craft without compromising the fabric of their own soul. So if you haven’t heard of Laura before: Welcome to her world.

Why Race Debates Aren’t Helpful

David Webster

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January 20, 2016

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One look at Facebook and it is clear: people are getting more and more outspoken on race, politics and culture. As much as I am all for working towards a better, more fair future, I am not sure that this is the right platform to do it on.

There are many problems with the issue of race, and if we’re going to argue around such a broad demographic, there are going to be many flaws. Here are a few issues I have with arguing about race:

1. No one can choose the colour of their skin

We are stuck with whatever colour of skin we have. People have tried (rather unsuccessfully) to change the shade of their skin, but in the end there is nothing we can do about what shade our body is covered with. This means that as soon as the words “whites” or “blacks” or “coloureds” are used on social media, offence is almost guaranteed. It is sad how the colour of our skin has divided us and disadvantaged us all as a society. I know people want justice. But I think it is clear that classification by race has not gotten us anywhere – so why would it work now?

2. The word ‘race’ implies competition

Of course you are going to believe your own genetic makeup is awesome. If you didn’t, it would be surprising. What I find disturbing, however, is the amount of insecurity there is around the colour of our skin. Feeling part of something is very important for the human psyche. Unfortunately, we have taken the most general and least specific grouping as the most basic way of belonging. There is no “side” when it comes to race. There is no competition. The demographic you belong to is important. As important as any other demographic on the planet.

3. Things never stop with the colour of our skin when it comes to prejudice

I hate hearing people say that a certain characteristic is a “white thing” or a “black thing”. It is important that we celebrate culture – whether it is our own or someone else’s. What is frustrating is seeing how people cannot differentiate between someone’s skin colour, and their culture, ethics, beliefs, mindsets and skills.

I don’t believe we have any right to group people together according to race and then make a generalised judgement (whether it is favourable or not). It is as ludicrous as cutting off the Alphabet at “L” and saying everyone whose surname starts with the letters A-L are stronger writers than the rest; and M-Z are clueless when it comes to mathematics. You can’t choose your surname. You can’t choose your race. So think really carefully before trying to allocate any labels to a skin colour, when there are hundreds of cultures, mindsets, lifestyles and belief structures within them.

The only time I would listen to someone who wanted to say something about “black people” would be if that person had personally met and engaged with every single black person in our country. Not even the most thorough census in the world would be able to capture the diverse dreams, passions, beliefs, hopes, and perspectives that each person with that skin tone would have.

You might be emotional at the moment about things being said in the media. You may feel the urge to defend yourself, or blame something for your situation. All I ask is that you think deeper than the surface of your skin. Yes, some people are ignorant. Yes, there is definitely prejudice that should be addressed in a constructive way. Yes, the colour of your skin is important and wonderful. But don’t label yourself or others with such a two-dimensional standard.

The majority of us want the same thing. We want our respective nations and our continent to heal from years of injustice. There is a whole lot of oppression that has thrown my own country, South Africa, out of sync in the most horrible of ways. A whole lot of balance needs to be restored – economically, socially and emotionally. This is the real problem. This is what we all need to work on in our everyday lives. This is where the hard work is required. This is where sacrifices need to be made for the greater good.

Don’t leave it up to government, non-profit organisations, and the education sector. Do what you can now. The more we seek to understand how people need to be helped, the more we can actually do together.

Overthrowing systems will require us to start from scratch. Instead of swapping out leaders and systems, why can’t everyone work together? Systemic oppression is not good for anyone – whether they are directly affected by it or not.

I am excited about what is happening right now. There is a whole lot of discourse concerning justice and transformation; positive change and a new way of living. I am only asking that what we say online or in conversation does not just become noise with no effect. Let’s speak out once we have weighed up situations properly and thought about solutions, rather than only highlighting problems!

Of islands, icebergs, and asteroids

David Webster

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January 19, 2016

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Every person on planet earth has the potential to be awesome. But I have found that there are a few factors that determine whether you are actually living an extraordinary life.

I am, at heart, a true lover of metaphors. There is power in illustrating a concept in a completely different context. It strips away everything that supports it and helps you truly examine the core of the idea. When it comes to how people live, I have found three metaphors that hopefully will help you examine and understand yourself. The only way that I can write about these three perspectives is because, in different stages of my life, I have lived with these mindsets. So here goes – I hope you can follow.

Asteroids

Have you ever had the temptation to impress people with everything you have done and experienced? I remember going through a stage where I felt like I had to prove myself to fit into my environment. I left no part of my skill, my experience and my understanding unturned. This is the kind of mindset where you let it all hang out on Facebook posts. You desperately want to garner attention – from any angle. It can get so bad that you can see negative reactions as compliments. Like an asteroid, everything is seen. There is no mystery to be maintained.

The longer you live like this, the more knocks you will get from other things around you as you drift through life. You are destructive to your environment. No matter how much I tried to contribute, I ended up with empty craters.

The sad thing is that you can see “asteroids” from a mile away. You can see their motives, the nature of their hearts, their insecurities, and their frustration. It might be a bitter pill to swallow if you identify with any what an “asteroid” represents, but I would encourage you to re-evaluate your thinking. As much as I would love people to gravitate towards me, the reality is that there are not many people who have such a “pull”. Finding something bigger than yourself and choosing to become a part of it will probably be the best thing for you.

Icebergs

These are people who have credibility. I am sure you have seen those “inspirational” pictures talking about how 90% of an iceberg is underwater. As opposed to the asteroid’s what-you-see-is-what-you-get mentality, these people are content to not be on display 24/7. They carry weight in conversation and in action.

You may have lived a little and experienced some things that could benefit others. You can definitely be an asset in an organisation and your wisdom is probably valued – but there is one problem: You are not tied down. It may be slower than an asteroid, but you still drift. The currents of life tend to draw you out, so people cannot build on you. Your reliability is limited by your struggle to commit.

I remember a stage in life where I was content to let others discover there was more to me than just my presence. I was secure in what I could contribute, but I did not commit fully to the people and the tasks I was involved with. I allowed the tides of my emotions, offence, frustration and struggle to pull me away from places I could contribute. It was hard, because I was secure in who I was, but as much as people acknowledged what I brought to the table I was never truly involved in building things.

When the heat of life gets turned up, do you melt? When things don’t seem to go your way, is it hard to stick around? Do people respect you but not include you? Maybe you need to start thinking about your thinking.

Islands

An island is very similar to an iceberg. There is a whole lot more beneath the surface than a giant piece of ice, though. The key is that an island has foundations. Long before it ever hits the surface, it is slowly growing. This kind of life means you are growing in character and strength before you are ever “on the radar”.

This kind of mindset requires you to make the hard decisions first – to stay grounded, be stubborn about the right things in life and be consistent in how you build yourself. Once people start seeing your potential, you are an asset others can then build on as well. This kind of person is a beacon of hope for those “lost at sea” and can be used as a map reference to direct people towards home.

This is the type of person I want to be. It means working hard and committing to things long before there is any type of reward. In the long run, however, I believe you will be able to not only thrive, but help others to do the same.

Whether you are an “asteroid”, an “iceberg”, or the beginnings of an “island”, I want to encourage you to consider how you think about yourself and your purpose. If you feel like you need to find a way to be grounded, the only thing worth building your life on is God. He will hold you close when the seas get rough. Tied down to God, I have found that what I learn and the way I grow will last longer and be more effective.

When you are established in the grace and wisdom of God, your life is not just a replay of the same scenario over and over – there is progress. To find out more about this rock – this unshakeable foundation, click on the link below.

Blue Neighbourhood – Troye Sivan

David Webster

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January 13, 2016

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Forget that you saw this guy act as an awkward kid in the Spud films. Wipe any preconceptions about this skinny white boy, his beliefs or sexual orientation and do yourself a favour – just listen.

As a musician, I am very tempted to make some broad parallels that may seem premature, but Troye Sivan’s album Blue Neighbourhood is the real deal. Not only is it unique and unapologetically stylised, but it is a cohesive experience from beginning to end. True art transports us – and I am convinced that this is one of the most fresh, innovative examples you could find in today’s market.

What makes me excited is not only the raw poetic lines and the endlessly tight, colourful rhythmic framework, but the fact that this music is being lapped up by the up-and-coming music generation. In a world defined by singles and charts, Troye’s new offering is pretty much going viral. When you have twelve year olds appreciating this level of music, you know that the future is brighter than you would expect.

This album, in a way, plays on the whole ‘Pop Culture’ idiom, referencing the bland suburbia of everyday life as a canvas. Where singles and ‘hits’ are becoming more and more about the groove, you will find Blue Neighbourhoodis more intricate. Every beat, synth, vocal dub and effect has its place. Nothing is blurred. Every little detail – from chimes, to 8bit samples, snaps and echoes – is definitive and expressive. It is like he is ‘painting with primary colours’ only. Everything is bold and striking – in a good way, which is a huge accomplishment.

Vocally, Sivan is reductive in style, letting the lyric and producing truly have the stage. Stylistically, you could draw parallels with Frank Ocean, Kanye, Ryan Lewis, Chvrches, Justin Bieber, Melanie Martinez, Years and Years and Lorde. A kaleidoscopic combination of genres makes this album a little manual to what the music of today is. It could be referenced in text books as an honest overview of everything good happening in the industry at the moment.

With shoutouts from music royalty such as Adele and raving reviews from top critics, Troye is definitely on the forefront of what music will be in the next few years. Look forward to more from this guy!

Let’s Do This

David Webster

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January 12, 2016

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The truth is that every single one of us has so much potential – so much to offer this world. Granted, sometimes you need to know what you are capable of to outwork your potential, but I believe that outside of developing skills everyone is capable of pretty much anything.

If I stopped writing this moment, walked straight out of the room and put on training clothes, went for a run and kept running indefinitely I could run a marathon. Physically, I would be drained. I would need sustenance and immense will-power. But because I have functioning legs it cannot be ruled out as impossible.

The thing is, potential holds every solution to the problems of this world. The answers for the world around you probably lie somewhere within your capabilities. But there are two factors that will keep you from making those solutions a reality:

Starting

Have you ever tried to start something? Have you ever had all the inspiration, but you could not find a way to begin? You had all the vision, all the resource, all the time – but no spark. I have been so frustrated in times like these. You can have your dream laid out before you. You can see all the good that could come out of your life, but you have no way of getting there. It is as if you are holding the pen to your story, but have writer’s block. You can start questioning yourself when this happens: “Is this all in my head? Am I crazy to think I can do this? Do I really want this dream?”

Standing on the shore of your reality and watching the horizon of possibility can be demoralising. I wish I had an answer for people who are in this dilemma. All I can say is that I can identify. If you believe in God, you need to believe there is a greater perspective than your own. And as much as you have no idea where to start living your future, God knows exactly what is happening. He doesn’t have writer’s block. He’s probably working behind the scenes setting you up for a win right now.

To start means to begin. To go from a point of being stationary to moving. It is action-based. Not many spectators pay attention to the start of a marathon. Looking at how someone begins running doesn’t really give you any indication of whether they are going to win. The thing is that they just began moving and then applied their technique. The only thing we can do if we are struggling to start is to make sure we are not motionless.

Get busy doing what you can. Whatever is available to you has been placed there for a reason. If we don’t stop engaging with life, we will find our way. Someone once said it is easier to steer a moving vehicle than a stationary one. Just keep moving.

Knowledge

Sometimes we can start out in a direction and be doing well. We could see progress in our lives and be excited about new things up ahead. But turning potential into solid reality requires wisdom. Me trying to sprint 42 kilometers would be ludicrous. I would probably damage myself considerably in the process. Training would also be extremely helpful in the scenario. How sustainable will my progress be?

I have seen so many aid-based missions fail because they have had all the resource, vision and excitement but no wisdom concerning long-term sustainability. I don’t know about you, but whatever I do in life, I want it to last much longer than I ever will. Meaningful change requires us to think long-term.

Asking for help is not always easy, but we were never meant to live life by ourselves on our own terms. We would all be little islands of disaster. There is no greater source of wisdom than God. He doesn’t only know how to get you to a destination, but how to keep you healthy on the way. He knows what you can handle.

Sometimes we will grow tired. Sometimes we will want to stop. Sometimes we will want to give up all together, but wisdom will keep us moving forwards.

Being capable of something is great. Actually doing it is a whole lot better, though. It’s a new year. There are new possibilities for all of us. I know for a fact that a whole lot of people are going to apply their potential to reality and grow this year. If you are struggling to start, however, I would like to encourage you to look beyond yourself. Look to God. If you are tired and don’t feel like you can carry on, do the same. Look to God. He is the author and finisher of you story.

If you want to find out more about how he can be relevant to you, click on the link below.

Long Distance Relationships

David Webster

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January 8, 2016

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Today I am putting the finishing touches to a Christmas song I have written for my girlfriend. By the time you are reading this (due to holiday schedules) she will have heard it, so it’s cool – I’m not spoiling any surprise. You may think I’m a bit crazy, but since my girl is halfway around the world on a holiday of a lifetime, I have learnt a whole lot about myself and how far I will go to stay connected with someone who means so much to me.

Before I get completely romantic and lose half my readers… I do want to say: long distance relationships are very tough. I have so much respect for people who have gone for years without spending more than a few weeks together. It’s only going to be two months for me, but there are many people serving their country who are based far away for longer than six months. In Africa, there are countless scenarios where the father or mother have moved away to find work.

Distance is hard. But it does not necessarily have to be bad. I’m definitely not saying that long periods away from the ones you love are healthy, but there are a few things you can learn from them:

FaceTime is from Heaven

I’m am truly convinced that God put a mandate on someone’s life to invent FaceTime. Being able to communicate face-to-face with someone adds so much meaning. Funnily enough, I have learnt so much about facial expression just by using FaceTime. It’s crazy how much more meaning is conveyed visually. There are certain levels of disconnect that you want to avoid when there is distance between you: written disconnection – I have had to work my way out of some tight situations because people read what I write the wrong way… (emoticons help apparently, but they are not foolproof); spoken disconnect – it is easier to understand what is trying to be communicated because of the tone and intonation of the voice but you are still not ensured that you have the other person’s full attention; and then face to face communication which is a whole lot more assuring.

2. Long distance makes you more intentional

Setting aside time, writing crazy songs, making special videos and sending messages at bizarre times of night helps you be intentional with your relationship. When the person you care about isn’t down the street or a few minutes’ drive away, you have to express your appreciation of them with much more clarity. The distance makes you work for your relationship – and reminds us not to get familiar with who we have in our lives.

3. Long distance improves communication

When the person you love is not in your environment or context, you have to get good and sharing what’s happening around you. This improves the communication level in your relationship in general, as well as reminds you of how much goes unsaid with people that are around you every day.

For all those missing their loved ones, I hope that they come back soon. Things that last are worth the wait. And things only last because you are willing to work for them. Keep at it!

5 Great Cape Town Hangouts

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David Webster

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January 6, 2016

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Whether you are visiting for holidays or have plans to move down to start studying. Whether you have lived here your whole life or just Google this paradise once in a while to keep you sane, it is undeniable that Cape Town is an extremely vibrant, beautiful part of our country.

I have had the privilege to grow up in this city (albeit in the Northern Suburbs which almost doesn’t count). From pristine beaches through to ancient wine farms, illustrious mountain ranges through to cool, calm forests this place has it all. The culture of Cape Town is historically liberal and diverse. With many foreigners visiting or living in this design mecca, there is an international feel to the city centre that is quite exhilarating. My favourite aspect of Cape Town, however, has to be the meeting places.

To clarify – a hangout is a place where you and friends can relax and have a good time. With so many options, it is genuinely hard to make a decision, but I have been able to whittle down my enthusiastic choices to five. And here they are in no particular order – as they are all equally awesome in their own ways.

Llandudno Beach

I know many people do go already, but this tight cove is something special. With minimum wind and great views for sunset, this is the place to be on a summer afternoon. You earn your place on the beach by finding parking (some of the smallest parking bays in the world can be found at the bottom of the hill…). Granted – the sea water is particularly frigid, but nothing says ‘bonding’ more than braving it with a few friends… whether they were prepared to or not…

Jason Bakery, CBD

This place has the best croissants in the city. An awesome breakfast hangout, make sure that you get there early as they are normally sold out by 12pm. Seating is limited, but worth the wait. A true indulgence.

The Yard, Gardens

This tiny alley holds some of my most special memories with friends. Not only is the food delicious and the vibe completely hipster and quirky, but round the back is one of the most respected coffee roasters in the city. Good, cheap coffee and amazing food makes this place a steal. (Makes sure you have cash on you, or use SnapScan).

Rosetta Roastery, Woodstock

An award winning establishment, this place is great for those morning conversations that require a good dose of caffeine! This place is a true experience – where a true appreciation for taste and precision is fostered. Don’t come expecting to feast, but be ready to sample some of the best coffee in the city and enjoy the truly unique sit down space. I almost didn’t want to tell people about this one because it is so good…

Up Yours, Yours Truly, Gardens

This rooftop hangout hearkens to those found in the urban renewal of Braamfontein (minus the view). Awesome lighting and a relatively relaxed vibe makes this place fun and perfect for a summer’s night. There are some time restrictions, so be sure not to show up too late. Great place to grab something to drink and chill.

If you are visiting, I hope you enjoy these little gems in our awesome city. If you are here for good – let’s be thankful for some world-class places to have great conversations and enjoy life!

Heaven on Earth

David Webster

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January 4, 2016

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People like the idea of heaven. You probably enjoy the concept of shiny, gigantic, bright spaces with music and laughter. Where there is no sickness or pain, no crying or betrayal – just safety and good times. As much as heaven will definitely be all that, there is one element that is normally left out of the equation: God.

If you look at the Bible’s depiction of heaven, it is pretty clear that everyone will be constantly focussing on and celebrating God.

I can understand how this could be confusing… How am I meant to be having a good time – enjoying myself and loving this new life I have if I am constantly going to be worshipping God? Many people have made a confession to following Jesus on the premise of getting to heaven. I hope they don’t feel cheated when they realise it won’t be all about them.

When Jesus started his ministry, the Bible says that he went around saying, “Repent (change the way you live) for the Kingdom of God (heaven) is at hand“. He also taught the disciples to pray “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” If what Jesus said is true, then heaven doesn’t begin for you when you die. Heaven – the Kingdom of God – is actually something that can be brought to your everyday life.

The Kingdom of God can be defined as a place where:

God gets the glory
God has control

The thing is that in your own life, you can bring God’s Kingdom into your reality. All you need to do is give God the glory he deserves and look to him to lead you. If you truly decide to trust God and make him the underlying focus of all you do, then God’s Kingdom is present.

And the cool thing is,I have experienced the other benefits of heaven here on earth. I have experienced healing. I have experience financial provision like nothing else. I have experienced rest while everything around me has been in turmoil. I have been given opportunities I never should have had. I have found my purpose as I have made my life about God and others.

Yes. There is still pain. Yes. There is still struggle. Yes. I still mess up. But an expression of heaven can be found on earth. In your life. It’s up to you whether you want it or not. If you want to be part of something way bigger than yourself. If you want to live inspired and excited – experiencing the fullness of God in your everyday routine. Click on the link below.

What’s Next?

David Webster

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January 1, 2016

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So last night you probably celebrated the beginning of a new year. Whether you had a braai and sat on the beach, went to a banging loud party or sat on your roof and watched fireworks, I know you probably had some sense of anticipation. Some kind of expectancy.

2015 might have been a year that challenged you. It could have been that season where you had to stretch further than ever before. Where things were tough, but you could see progress and you learnt a whole lot about yourself and the environment you are in. In that case, I hope you feel stronger for the next year ahead!

2015 might have been that year where everything all of a sudden came together. Finding that man of your dreams, landing that job, buying your first home or graduating with distinctions might have made it a memorable year. In that case, I hope you are grateful for all that has happened.

2015 might have been the year where everything fell apart. You might have lost a loved one or your job. You might have felt like you were in a downward spiral where nothing was good enough. You might end this year exhausted and deeply troubled. In that case, I hope you are expectant for greater things in the next season!

The thing with seasons are that they are all so different. There is nothing more clearly defined in our lives than the end of a year and the beginning of another. It is the ruler with which we measure our lives – our success and our downfalls. Our hopes and our doubts. As you take stock of your life for the next season, I pray that you are filled with gratitude, encouragement and hope.

These elements all culminate in the final hours before the countdown begins. Then you celebrate (whether you remember it or not) and then you crawl into bed.

Waking up the next morning, however, I have never been able to have that strange anticlimactic feeling of “now what”. You expected things to be different, but the sun is still shining, your room looks exactly the same and you probably don’t feel any different.

This is the moment when we can do one of two things (besides pull the covers over your head and sleep a bit more).

You can carry on doing what you have always done and forget about your hope, excitement and encouragement.
You can carry on doing what you have always done with a sense of fresh expectation for progress and new things to happen in the year.

Yes, it may seem subtle, but the slight difference of the second option could set you on a course that would take you miles further than if you stayed with the norm. You see, perspective at the beginning of any journey sets the tone for how that journey will go. As a child, I hated going on any long road trips with my family without first seeing the map. Once I knew the lay of the land and the distance that needed to be traversed, I was able to endure the long hours, hot sun and challenging sibling knowing that they were for a reason. My destination was not as clear as day, but I knew where it lay and was able to mentally prepare myself for the trip.

For your 2016, I hope that you have the same attitude. That you will enlarge your perspective so that you can dream bigger and believe for greater things, while still doing the day-to-day errands that construct what we know as life.

If you are struggling to see how this next year is going to be any better than the previous one. If you feel lost or left behind in life because you have compared yourself to others around you. I hope that the link below can give you some fresh hope. I believe it could be the deciding factor on how you do the journey that will be 2016. Happy New Year! Hope it is new every way!

David Webster

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