A Fresh Start

 

A Fresh Start photo by Heather 

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Two thousand twenty one is now a year of the past. Only alive by the memories that have been made, both joyful and sad. Some memories leaving us drained and weary, while others left us with comfort and blessings.

As I think about this month, January 2022, the new year has begun. 

I have thought a lot about making a New Year’s  Resolution, but 9 times out of 10, I never keep it. Depending on what it is depends on how long I actually stick to it. However, I have never kept one beyond the month of January.

Did you know the #1 resolution is to lose weight? I know I have personally made that exact resolution before, and I didn’t stick to a routine very long. 

Therefore, I will not be making a New Year’s resolution.

Instead, I can’t help but sit here and think of what this year could possibly hold.

Will it be another year with pain?

An additional year of sickness?

A year of trials never seen before?

A continuous year of exhaustion and busyness?

Or…just maybe….

Could it be a year of spiritual growth?

A year filled with more blessings than we can count?

The year of breakthroughs and healing?

I have no idea what this year will bring. However, I do know the Lord already knows. I know he will go before me and walk with me. He will do the same for you.

And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

So, as we all begin to plan out the year and set some personal goals and maybe a few homeschooling goals as well, think of it as a fresh start. We all have a blank slate. Hopefully, a blank planner too.

Before you begin to fill in all the days of your planner, stop and pray.

Ask the Lord to lead and guide you. To know what to put in your planner and what to leave out. 

Show me Your ways, O Lord;

Teach me Your paths.

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Lead me in Your truth and teach me,

For You are the God of my salvation;

On You I wait all the day.

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Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses,

For they are from of old.

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Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions;

According to Your mercy remember me,

For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.

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Good and upright is the Lord;

Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.

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The humble He guides in justice,

And the humble He teaches His way.

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth,

To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. Psalm 25:4-10

As you fill in the days, weeks, and months, plan things that will bring growth and worth to your life and to the lives of those around you. 

Things that will give meaning to your life and great memories. 

Not empty New Year’s resolutions we can never keep. Those will only leave us feeling discouraged.

I want to encourage you not to allow your calendar to be so full that you have no room to rest. 

Refuse to allow your days to become so full you cannot breathe.

Don’t allow your plans for this year to leave you stressed. 

Make sure to include time to spend with the Lord each day. His plan for us is the best plan of all. 

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

While January is a great time to start working on personal goals, it is also a really good time to start working on spiritual growth. However, if you have a day you miss, don’t beat yourself up. God is full of mercy and his mercy is new every morning.

Remember, this is the first month of the year. This is your fresh start.