Fireworks and introspection; two words that pretty much describe New Year's for me. The passage of time affects us all, like the celebration of our birthdays and how much our children have grown.
In light of these things, consider the words of the apostle Paul and those of Jesus...
Philippians, Chapter 4 (World English Bible)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!”
8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things. 9 The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Matthew, Chapter 10, (WEB)
24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! 26 Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops. 28 Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
Paul admonished his fellow Christians to rejoice in the Lord, to reflect upon positive concepts and to live as he did. Jesus told his followers to also be like him, but the difference between the two is that Jesus is LORD! Reflect on that awhile and then take another look at that "mirror" picture. If you can answer "YES" to the question it poses, fine, if not, 2018 presents you with an opportunity to change things.
Don't waste the time God has given you- be all you can be!!!