Cam asks me if Adam and Eve were black.

The tour guide on the Joburg Big Red Bus Tour said human life started in these parts so really, we’re all African. I tell Cam, well I know for sure that we’re African. We talk about all things skin-deep and rock-solid, theory and fact, truth and conjecture, Scripture, genealogies, poetry and mystery – all parent-code for, I-need-to-Google-this-later.

‘Ok,’ he says. ‘I’m adding this to the list of questions I’m going to ask Jesus when I get to heaven.’

(He has a long list.)

Absolutely, I say. Good idea.

Scott says, ‘When I get to heaven, I’m going to ask Jesus: How do you make a Jolly Jammer?’

I have two thoughts:

Thought 1, on the Origin of Species:

I’m a little dazed and startled but we’ve actually spun through the solar system into another New Year. Our planet survived 2016, despite how revolting it was in too many ways.

Apparently God’s not done.

Whether it all started in the Cradle of Humankind or the Garden of Eden, God’s not done with humans. He’s not done with me. He’s not done with you.

There are days it feels like humanity’s plot isn’t thickening; it’s curdling. But my brain is so tiny and my perceptions and experiences so incomplete that I’m trying not to believe everything I think.

Rather, I’m aiming for fearless humility.

Fearless humility doesn’t lose the passion of calling, finds peace amidst confusion, and keeps taking opportunities for as long as God gives them.

Fearless humility says, I’ve got nothing to lose except my life, and Jesus guaranteed it in abundance.

Fearless humility celebrates the strength and progress, the gifts and ministries of other humans, for His Kingdom and glory.

Fearless humility remembers:

Our Origin determines our Destiny. We were conceived to be image-bearers of the Creator-King. That is just so cool. And I have so much hope.

Thought 2, on Jolly Jammers:

There’s a lot to be said for simplicity. For starting a New Year with the fearless faith and guileless humility of a child. For saying, Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp. (Psalm 131:1)

The fearless humility of a child isn’t too insecure to ask the awkward questions others are avoiding.

The fearless humility of a child says,

I’ll pour myself out as fast as He fills me.

And I will delight in the small things – like smiling biscuits that – magic! – have jam on the inside.

. . .

Happy New Year! Charles Dickens wrote, ‘The important thing is this: to be ready at any moment to sacrifice what you are for what you could become.’ You’re going to be awesome.

Walking in Grace – 366 inspirational devotions for an abundant life in Christ

is on its way to stores in SA and the USA.

In the meantime, pick up all the devotionals for JANUARY for FREE! (Of JANUARIE, as jy op soek is na die Afrikaanse weergawe.)

Big thanks to Christian Art Publishers for making this free offer available.

You can also pre-order Walking in Grace over here.

Watch the trailer: (Click here if you’re reading this in an email.)

You’re welcome to share this post, or email the JANUARY pdf to a friend.

I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment, or get in touch here, on Twitter, or on our Facebook community page. Sign up in the sidebar to get these posts by email.

Here’s what’s on the menu, if you’re reading this in an email:

Home | Books & other writing | Contact | Meet Dalene | Speaking