Happy New Year!
I'm delighted to leave 2023 behind. It was filled with unexpected challenges, but with the grace of God, I got through. We muddled through a difficult medical diagnosis and I'm ending the year with an injury from a pressure cooker malfunction. Third-degree burns are no joke.
Still, I saw the goodness of God woven through the difficulties. I read Psalm 23 almost daily and the last verse (verse 6) sustained me: Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life. Have you checked out The Passion Translation Bible? That one says, So why would I fear the future? Only goodness and tender love pursue me all the days of my life.
My burn happened last Wednesday, and there were so many ways that it could have been more tragic. I have been praising God since Wednesday that I only have 3rd-degree burns on one leg. One day I'll tell all about it, but today is not that day.
So despite tragic events, I'll take a breath and head into the New Year with a sense of optimism.
Here are my tips for you (and myself) to head into 2024:
Don't dwell on what didn't go well or work out in 2023—God has a plan. Trust Him! Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18–19
Read your Bible. You'll receive the encouragement, wisdom, and guidance needed to get on with your life. This year I'm challenging myself to read the Bible chronologically.
Rest is productive. You don't have to be crazy busy to accomplish your goals. Taking time to rest your body and brain will give you more fuel to get your tasks completed. If you regularly read my blog, you'll note that when needed, I take off a week to recharge.
Do things you love to do more often this year. Don't deny yourself the gift of a treat. Whether it's a puzzle, reading a book, doing a craft, or going outside for a walk—if it gives you joy, embrace the break and enjoy the moment.
Release situations/tasks that drain you. You don't have to do it all, and you don't have to continue on with something if doing so drains you emotionally and physically. Sometimes habit or previous commitments keep you tied to a schedule or a situation that no longer works for you. Letting go gives you room to investigate new opportunities.
If you can't get a new idea out of your head, go for it. It's better to try and know for sure than to never start and always wonder.
Write that encouraging note! Everyone needs a kind word. When someone comes to mind, send a quick email or even better, a paper note. Who doesn't like getting a nice greeting card? Perhaps consider writing yourself an encouraging note that you can carry into the new year. Stick it in a journal or on a bulletin board and read it when you need a lift.
It's not a bad thing to feel uncomfortable. When you try something new it's common to feel uncomfortable. Don't let those icky feelings hold you back from a new experience.
Tie up loose ends. Pray that God will show you how to move forward without entanglements from 2023 that you don't need. Walk away from any burdens you've been dragging along.
Cheers to 2024! I hope it is a blessed year.
I can do all those tips except #5 ... my daughter's constant care drains me. Has been draining me for over 32 years. BUT I've learned better self care in the last few years, so that helps.
Praying for your burn. I can't even imagine. ((hugs)) Happy New Year!