National LEGO Day and a New Year

If you search the Internet, you will find days set aside to celebrate almost everything from popcorn to wearing purple.

One that caught my eye is National Lego Day observed on January 28. Ole Kirk Christiansen, a carpenter in Denmark, began making wooden toys during the Great Depression in 1932. In 1934, the company was named “LEGO” which was derived from the Danish phrase “leg godt” translating to “play well”. Fast forward to 1947 and LEGO began manufacturing plastic toys. The first plastic LEGO bricks weren’t patented until January 28, 1958.

Legos were a gift on my grandchildren’s Christmas lists. I love watching these boys begin with two pieces and sorting through hundreds, build a masterpiece. The process is an experience in creativity, imagination, thinking, and problem solving. It’s a joy to celebrate their focused and hard work. Those elaborate Lego projects are displayed on shelves in their home and photos are sent to family.

Their work with Legos led me to draw a comparison to the new year ahead.

• Like varied and scattered Lego pieces, we have the pieces of life in front of us: 365 days, twelve months, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes, and four seasons.
• Do we have an ultimate design in mind for 2025? Some people take in inventory of last year and know they don’t want to repeat certain experiences or choices. On a recent post, Katherine Pasour invites us to look back and step forward  as we consider changes.  Perhaps you have an idea of what you want your year to look like. Pray to find your goals, opportunities, and choices.
• The boys followed instructions and some projects included packs to use in specific order. What is God speaking to you about as you start your day and head in a particular direction?
• The pile of hundreds of blocks in different sizes and colors looks like a mess, but with careful and consistent work, a project emerged. We may feel we are looking at a mess-health, finances, relationships, doubts, questions. Let’s pray carefully and consistently about our direction and plans.
• Sometimes my boys worked together. One saw a fit where another didn’t. They took turns. Do you have encouraging friends to let your creative juices flow,  offer wise counsel,  pray with you, or lift you up in hard times? Sometimes another’s insight helps us see a different perspective.
• Where do you find colorful bricks in your life? A new project, developing discipline and perseverance, exploring something new, friendships, and hobbies?

A Lego project begins with two pieces, connects more, and eventually a building develops. My grandsons started small, but kept at it. It reminded me of the prophet Zechariah encouraging the builders to begin to rebuild their temple and city after years of exile in Babylon. Some complained that it wouldn’t be as impressive as the first temple. Others were concerned with obstacles. But Zechariah says,

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin… Zechariah 4:10 NLT

Just start. Start small. God delights in your beginning and is helping you do the work. He sees and values your start. Share on X

Have you considered that you are cooperating with God to create a custom design this year? Each of us is one of a kind with unique possibilities. There may be obstacles, but trust His timing. Trust His plan-look for it. We start each day small-by waking up. Pray about the day before you. The colors and the possibilities are limitless.

What are your thoughts about planning with God and  in the new year?