This year we had fun celebrating the new year with the kids. When they were younger (and us too), we would sometimes hire a sitter and go out. Other years we enjoyed ringing in the new year with a quiet night at home. But now that the kids are getting older, celebrating holidays is so much more fun to include them!
On New Year’s Day we attended church and then went out for brunch. After a relaxing afternoon we had our traditional Dip Night for dinner. We ate in front of the TV, watched Frozen, and opened Christmas poppers together. (Look Sheila, Christmas crackers!) It takes so little to excite the kids. I love it.
Every year as the calendar turns, I become introspective and want to analyze the previous year and plan for the new year. I love it. I journal what I’m feeling, I go back through my calendar and look for notes I need for the new year. I make notes on what didn’t work in order to make the coming year more successful. And, I look at the year ahead. I often make notes on what I’d like to do or try and get a plan for the new semester.
This year Kenny and I attended a day retreat on planning together as a couple (more on that later) and it was excellent. It is rare we plan out our year together or even talk through the year. We of course talk through certain events, but have never made plans for the year based on what we each would like to do or accomplish. Without a plan, life just sort of happens, and that is kind of where we were at. We are both anxious to finish this planning project together.
With a new year also comes some feelings of melancholy for me. Anyone else? It took me awhile to bounce back, health-wise, after the holidays and I’m sure that’s where these feelings began. I analyze and look at the previous year and am usually reminded of all the things I didn’t get done. Why is it I always focus on what didn’t get done versus what I DID do? And, as I think on the new year, I’m hopeful for what I want to do and what I will learn. But sometimes that results in feelings of being overwhelmed before I even get started. A vicious cycle.
So, I went straight to the One who brings peace, order, and strength. I’m learning how to surrender my plans each day to God (more on that later, too) to hear what He would have me do. Rather than looking at the year as a whole and being overwhelmed, I’m looking at one day at a time and taking it SLOW.
From Jesus Calling, January 1:
Come to Me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness. Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My Face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind. As you focus your thoughts on Me, be aware that I am fully attentive to you. I see you with a steady eye, because My attention span is infinite. I know and understand you completely; My thoughts embrace you in everlasting Love. I also know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence. (Romans 12:2; Jeremiah 29:11)
