Another 365 days in the books. Another year of plot twists, victories, and struggles written in the story of your life. Full of highs and lows, your ordinary days make up your seasons. I pray it has been a year of peace, grace, love, and wholeness. I pray redemption and resurrection have been the neverending themes of your days.
Like you, my year was full of unexpected twists and turns, aches and pains, and victories so glorious that I can hardly stand it. What hit me the most, while simple to say, was the truth that I must stop being so surprised at God’s good hand in my life and walk in power, humility, and confidence that His plan is good and I’m in the thick of it. As silly as it sounds, this has been my revelation.
You see, too many of us are reactive to life’s events rather than visioneering (thanks, Andy Stanley) our future days. Think of a man, say, King David, who dealt with blow after blow from Saul but still kept a vision bright in his spirit to be a man of honor, courage, and bravery. At times, he was overcome but appeared to possess a resolve that carried him through the worst of days.
While our lives will continue to be full of ups and downs, let’s commit to being women of courage, women of truth, and most certainly women of trust in the God who never changes, who never fails, and who sees us as we are.
As you establish your goals for this new year I pray there is room for laughter, forgiveness, dance parties in the kitchen, snuggles with your people, and room to fail. As we walk in the destiny of our lives, it appears to be messier than we anticipated. Be gentle with yourself in those frustrating moments. Let the peace of Jesus permeate every fiber of your being. Let His peace and power be your resolve to carry on.
I’m cheering you on, friend. I’m rooting for you from the bleachers like your crazy aunt. May this be your year of adventure, year of grace, and year of YES to all God has for you!