Ever Notice?

Ever noticed, that over time, the shiny-new becomes dull-and-dented? That the sparkly-lovely turns chipped-and-ugly? Or that the I-believe faith becomes the I-doubt faith?
I guess I'm feeling that dull-and-dented part. The used-up and worn-out aspect.
Here, on a fresh page of an untouched year, I find myself with a heart dried and peeling like skin left in the sun too long. Instead of eagerly running to greet the honored guest of 365-days spread before me, I am reluctant and limping. So while everyone around me has worthy goals to aim for, I'm aiming to simply do. the. next. thing.
Ann Voskamp says, “Perfect Love accepts you 100% before you perform 1%. Perfect Love says you don't have to show anyone up- you just have to show up. You don't have to impress anyone- you just have to press on.”
Do you know what I've noticed when you are dried out? You become thirsty. You seek ways to be refreshed. And there is no shame in being thirsty. In fact, it is the thirsty that Jesus invites to come.
Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds. “Anyone who is thirsty may come to Me! Anyone who believes in Me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from His heart.’” John 7:37-38 NLT
So at the beginning of a year, started dented and dry, I find myself limping to Jesus. He doesn't really care how I come. He just longs for me to come. I don't have to be impressive or show anyone up, I just need to show up, right there to His throne of grace. He does all the rest. (Hebrews 4:16)
If this new year is feeling less than stellar, it's okay. Come with me; we can limp together, pressing on to the feet of Jesus. We can do the. next. thing. Thirst no more.