In the last week in December, we tend to set our eyes on the year ahead. What can I get better at? How can I improve at being human? What torturous, calorie-depriving task shall I undertake in January?
I have answers to all 3. I’d like to get better at setting aside time to write on my day off. I’d like to improve at being focused in the office when I’m there and at home when I’m there. And I’d like I feel compelled to take a break from sugar in January.
These are phenomenal plans and planning is my happy place. Making your own individual goals does actually tend to make you a better human. Focusing on your own goals keeps you from making goals for other people, such as your spouse or child. They can make their own goals and would prefer it that way.
Could you also take a moment this week to set your eyes on the year now behind you. Not only will we celebrate the inbreaking of a new year this weekend, we can celebrate the send-off of 2022. The end of something deserves as much attention as the beginning of a new thing. This is a Christian practice. We are both ending and beginning people, believing there can be no beginning without a solid ending.
A new job follows the end of a previous job. A new relationship follows the end of another relationship. A new plan follows the end of an old plan. Resurrection follows a death. And a new year follows the end of an old year. And ending, therefore, is a sign of hope. It is only in the ending that God stirs up a new beginning.
Take a moment today to look back and have a talk with God.
- What did you learn in 2022?
- What surprised you?
- What happened to your faith?
- What was one of the most difficult experiences?
- When did God renew your strength?
- What do you need to let go? (A hurt, a dream, a stack of clothing you never wore)
- When did joy bubble up inside you?
- What did you learn you can do that you did not know you could do?
- How did the year behind you prepare you for the year ahead?
Before you ring in a new year, wring out the old year. Say goodbye before you say hello. Embrace the ending and then embrace the new beginning.
Lisa Lewton 