Over the last few days, I’ve been starting to reflect on the highs and lows of 2020. Of course, many of those (especially the lows) are common to all of us, but I’ve been thinking about my specific successes and failures.
Because of my temperament and personality, I noticed the failures first.
The stack of Christmas cards from family and friends brought joy as I read each one (and also guilt because I didn’t do cards this year).
Cleaning up my inbox, I came across some emails reminding me of courses I had signed up to take (and haven’t finished yet).
Looking over some credit card statements, I noticed several books I purchased (and haven’t read yet).
It was tempting to get down on myself for these little failures (and I did for a while), but this morning I woke up with a new attitude. I was almost giddy as I thought about possibilities for the new year. It would have been so easy to make a list of all the things I want to accomplish in 2021 and jump into the new year with idealistic goals and plans.
But as the day went on, I sensed the Holy Spirit inviting me to slow down a bit and finish the year well before I begin a new one.
I’m not exactly sure what that looks like, but I’m going to spend some time pondering it in the remaining days of 2020.
I want to look at why I didn’t get to creative projects like Christmas cards, a possible podcast, and completing a book on depression.
I’ll take a look at my plan calendar and see how I spent my time, tweaking it (actually it needs an overhaul) for 2021.
I’ll think about why I still weigh the same, even though I’ve been saying for months and months that I want to get healthier.
And I’ll make my mind acknowledge the successes of the year, even though it wants to belittle everything good I’ve done. I’ll rack my brain and make a list (a long list) of all of the good things that happened this year.
If I go into the new year regretting my mistakes and failures, it will only stifle the potential for future growth and joy. If I can make peace with the things about this year that disappointed me, I can end the year well in spite of them.
“I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.” (Psalm 119:59–60 NIV)
How do you feel about this past year? Are there things you need to do so you can end the year well? How can focusing on God help you to make peace with 2020 before you move on to 2021?
Yes, this has been an overwhelming and stressful year. I’ve been eager for it to be over and to focus on a new year. But your message rang true to me–I can finish this year positively. I’m going to do that! Thank you! 😊
Lora, I’m so glad you’re going to finish the year by focusing on the positives. Happy New Year! ~Robyn