You may be like me and wondering what does the year 2025 hold for me? You might even be planning your New Year’s eve party, figuring out what to bring to it. Or, maybe you are like me and asking, “is it even worth it to stay up until midnight this year knowing my toddler will be awake no matter what in just a few short hours?”
The New Year is cause for celebration, but before we jump too far ahead, maybe we should pause and give time and space for reflection.
This time of year is filled with great joy, anticipation and excitement. It is filled with new dreams, goals and visions for the future. We look forward to the things we have planned out already for the year. Vacations we can’t wait to go on (and warmer weather we get to experience), new opportunities, new jobs and the many other new things that can be ahead of us.
I am also aware that as we close a chapter, turn the page on the year 2024, for some it wasn’t one for the record books. Or it was, but not in a good way. We experienced heartbreak, loss, tragedy, hurt, and even broken dreams. We’ve walked through unexpected hurdles and some have just barely made it by.
Whether you find yourself in the camp that can’t wait for the new year because of all that it holds, or because you are ready to move on, I want you to take a few minutes to reflect on the year that was.
Take time to spend with God, your family, your friends and reflect on where you have been this past year. Celebrate the areas of growth in your life. Lament the areas of loss and learn from the mistakes that may have occurred.
One of the great gifts that we have from the Lord is the opportunity to review ourselves, examine our actions and lives and become more like Jesus.
I want to encourage you that Holy Spirit is waiting for you to press in, seek Him and allow Him the space to speak. I simply want to invite you and encourage you to do so.
And please know, I am praying for you, with you and reviewing alongside you.
-Joel
