Here We Go Again…

The end of one year means the beginning of another. (Profound, I know.) For some, the new year is met with a feeling of excitement, looking forward to all the future holds and the potential that awaits.

For others, the new year is faced with trepidation, full of uncertainty, and not so much a feeling of excitement as reluctant acceptance.

Perhaps 2024 was rough for you. Maybe there was a lot of change in your personal life, a lot of upheaval. Perhaps you, like I did, experienced painful loss. Or maybe you just didn’t accomplish all you were hoping to. Maybe sometimes you felt like you were struggling to just keep your head above water.

You know what? If you’re reading this, then you survived 2024!

Even if you spent more time than you wanted in your pajamas, curled up on your couch. Or in your bed.

Even if you cried more tears than you have in your whole life to this point. Even if you really wished the year had ended months ago.

Do you realize how much strength is required to keep your head above water in rough seas? It’s not easy.

Surviving is an accomplishment in and of itself.

So as we enter a new year, give yourself some grace. Let go of what was disheartening, disappointing, and focus on just doing what you need to do today.

Strong people are not invincible. Find your tribe and let them know when you need help.

It’s great to make goals, but don’t let them run your life. Don’t beat yourself up if you only complete half of them. Or none of them. Hitting your goals is not the most important thing about you.

I hope you’ll join me in committing to giving 2025 your best effort. I plan to work hard at becoming more like Jesus, and will definitely need to lean into God’s strength to get anywhere close. I know that if I don’t accomplish anything else, that alone will be life-changing and the most beneficial thing I can do.

I have other goals, of course, but maybe a better perspective today. I am looking forward to all that 2025 holds. Even hard things are opportunities for growth.

With eyes wide open, heart and hands wide open, I am ready to step into the new year, trusting that God is firmly in control of all that awaits. What a comfort that is!

Happy new year, everyone!