The New Year feels like…
Another holiday season in the books and a brand NEW YEAR begun! I hope the spirit of Christmas filled your home and heart with joy and led you to look ahead with hopeful expectation.
I love reflecting on the past year before a new one starts. I commit to goals- some old, some new- and envision how I want to feel throughout the year. This Christmas, though, felt like a steam roller! Our calendar was so full of activity I hardly had a minute to sit back and catch my breath!
Don't get me wrong, it was busy in so many good ways- family visiting, recitals, baking, and fun adventures like the Botanical Garden Lights. But busy feels the same no matter what- it's draining mentally physically and emotionally.
Yesterday, I spent the first day of the new year cleaning up leftover Christmas glitter, packing up holiday decor, labeling bins and lugging them to the garage, and wishing for a nap.
It made me feel behind…already.
Got me wondering how the new year started for you. Did it invigorate you this time around or make you feel a little anxious like- 'Here we go again. I hope I'll do better than last year'?
You may not automatically feel the freshness of a new year because the to-do list is still staring at you; laundry's piled up; the fridge needs a clean out.
And you haven't had a chance to even think about a ‘word for the year’ or new goals.
I so get it. That’s why when nap time came, I went to my quiet space, laid on the floor and cried a healthy cry. I grabbed my journal and starting talking to God.
I don't want to fall into the trap of striving to fit more in the day, racing from one thing to the next. My kids are growing too fast before my eyes. I need to soak up the details of these little years before they disappear.
We also have big things on the horizon in 2023. We’re moving to a new state and building a house! NBD. ; ) Never done that before and while it’s exciting, I can very easily slide back into planner-mode making longer to-do lists and feeling overwhelmed. I don’t want that. I want to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience- even when it gets crazy busy.
Seasons keep coming, there's no stopping that, but we can choose how we face them. We get to renew our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves, our circumstances, and what's possible for the future. That’s exciting to me.
I asked God to show me what's true right here & now. I wanted to share it with you because I believe it's for you too.
He reminded me that…
My valued isn't based on how much I accomplish in a day or week or month.
There will always be more waiting.
He knows everything about me- even my flaws- and loves who He created so I need to do the same. Especially the parts that've felt hard to love before: He does not make mistakes.
Give yourself more grace.
I haven't missed my mark.
I am never alone.
His timing is perfect.
Trust in His perfect plan.
Lean back; rest on Him in everything.
Smile and enjoy the ride.
If you've been in a season of hurrying and have a little holiday whiplash, that's OK! Take the next few days to reorganize, declutter, write down some goals, envision how you want to feel as the year moves along.
And then get quiet with Him. Grab your journal and bible and ask Him to show you where your eyes and heart need to focus in this fresh season.
REST. He told me to focus on RESTing. Not the type you're familiar with. I'll share more on that next week.
For now, I want to know what you come up with in your quiet time.
What's God put on your heart for 2023? How does that make you feel? Did He give you a word to focus on? Are you ready to step out with a fresh perspective as you step into your next best season?
Let me know what you come up with!
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” —Mark 10:27
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. —Isaiah 43:19
