Tag: Meaningful Monday

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Meaningful Monday: Let’s Focus on Ending the Year Well

Graphic with calendars and the blog post title by robynmulder.com

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?

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Meaningful Monday: Let’s Focus on What to Do When We Feel Wobbly

When I was admitted to the behavioral health unit of our regional hospital back in September of 2014, my husband, Gary, and one of my friends each gave me a copy of Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. The first devotion I read included these words: “You are feeling wobbly this morning….”

That was an understatement. Complete hopelessness had led to my stay in the hospital, so I certainly resonated with the idea of being “wobbly.”

That word has been coming to mind in recent weeks. I’m not hopeless, but something is off. There’s a wobble in my daily life that needs to be addressed.

It’s taking me a bit longer to fall asleep at night, and there have been a few mornings when I have gone back to sleep after the alarm went off.

I’ve been reaching for snacks, games on my ipad, and other distractions when stress levels rise, instead of digging into all of the projects I say I’d like to complete.

My thoughts are spinning a little too much, keeping me from focusing on the important things in life. That’s why I missed a Focus Friday post a few weeks ago and this week I’m writing a Meaningful Monday post.

I’m not sharing this to alarm anyone or to get sympathy. I’m writing it because I know others are going through a similar season of “wobble.” I can see it in their Facebook posts and comments. I can see it on the faces of people around town and at church. I can hear it in the voices of family, friends, and people I listen to on social media. Many of us are getting quite wobbly.

So what are we supposed to do? Let me suggest a few ideas:

  1. Talk about it. Don’t struggle in silence. Just admitting that we’re a little wobbly to those closest to us can help us to find our footing in these crazy times. You may feel better and you just might help someone else by voicing your feelings.
  2. Do something. Figure out what helps you to stop wobbling and do those things. It’s going to be different for every person, so try some things and keep a list of what helps so you can go to it when you feel that wobble happening. (If the wobble has gotten too bad, you may need professional help. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor or counselor and take their advice so you can get back to a more healthy place.)
  3. Remember the truth. Often when we get wobbly, it’s because we’re believing lies about our situation, the people around us, or ourselves. Write down what you’re thinking and see if it matches up with what the Bible says. God’s words are trustworthy; our thoughts usually are not.

I’m not too worried about being wobbly, but I am taking notice of it. I know it will probably get worse if I ignore it. Living wobbly will keep me frustrated and sidetracked (and could lead to depression). Doing something as soon as I notice the wobble will get me back to moving steadily ahead.

“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15 NIV)

Are you a little wobbly lately? What helps you stop wobbling? How can focusing on God help you to live more steady?