1 year. 12 months. 52 weeks. 365 days. 8,760 hours. 523,600 minutes. 31,536,000 seconds.

That's a lot of numbers to add structure to the uncertainty of life. I pray that you made these numbers that categorized 2016 into memories and lessons that gave meaning to your year. Maybe this past year was a moving block for you. Or better yet, maybe it was like the chorus to your favorite song. No matter how 2016 went for you , it was a chapter of your story. It was filled with lessons, memories, victories, losses, laughs, tears, and unforgettable moments. Look back on 2016. How will you let it effect this next chapter? What you get out of 2017 depends on what you want to find and how you deal with the triumphs and hardships that the new year brings with it.

I pray that you will make 2017 the beginning of something great.

I pray that you find a new kind of person. A kind of person that loves you for who you are. A kind of person with a genuine smile and a caring heart. Someone who makes you a better person. You can never have too many friends.

I pray that you tell tell those you love how grateful you are to have them in your life. Without them, your heart would be much smaller, and your life would be a lot less bright. People come and go, so make sure they know how big of a blessing they are. Remember, actions sometimes speak louder than words.

I pray that you get rid of toxic people who caused you to question the goodness of your year. However, do not wish that they had not been a part of the past year. Believe it or not, they served a purpose in your life. Choose to learn from those people instead of cursing the experiences. Don't let them cause you pain, but learn to help them through theirs.

I pray that you learn something amazing. Whether it be that you know exactly what you're going to do for the rest of your life or that your favorite author is writing a new series. Let the little things blow your mind.

I pray that you learn to enjoy the simplicity of life. Days are often so filled with busy schedules and worldly worries that we forget the entire point of living. I hope that you can find joy in something as simple as a smile or an A on your test. Life is too short to overcomplicate happiness.

I pray that you find adventure in whatever it is you're passionate about. Know that the heart God has given you is completely unique and filled with God given passions. I pray that you take that passion and try one new thing. Maybe, just maybe, you'll go miles past your limit.

I pray that you realize the storms of life have no way of harming you when you are in your Savior's hands. Realize that the One who sits on the throne is carefully catching each and every tear and using them to bring glory to His Kingdom. Take heart in knowing that you are able to find love, peace, and rest in the One who is able to walk on the stormy seas.

I pray that you choose joy instead of happiness. The moments of 2017 will bring challenges. However, happiness will not be able to survive the harsh realities that this new year may bring. Happiness is simply a mood. Instead, I pray that you find joy. Joy in God can be felt in every circumstance and throughout every hardship. It is a reminder of the goodness and hope that lies before us.

My dear friend, let 2017 be 1 year filled with life changing moments. Bring light and joy to at least 12 strangers' lives. You have the power to impact someone's life each and every day. Smile at least 52 times a day. Laugh lines are a beautiful reminder of a life well lived. Read your Bible at least 365 times. Don't forget, He's the one giving you each breath. Laugh at least 8,760 times this year. And by laugh I don't mean giggle. The best kinds of laughs are the ones that leave you crying. Try and find the good in life 525,600 times. I promise you, God is in all things. Therefore, there is good in everything. Take in the moment31,536,000 times. Each second has a purpose.

Create a defining moment for each defining number. Don't let time go by unnoticed.

I pray that 2017 won't just be another year for you because you are not just another person. You have the power to make this new year different.

Leave your mark on 2017, and I promise, it will leave it's mark on you.