I tend to be quite idealistic, so thinking about the start of a new year can stress me out.
Instead of being excited about all of the possibilities and potential, I often get overwhelmed by my unrealistic expectations.
This is the year I’m going to . . .
*Get in shape
*Write my book
*Organize all of the pictures on my phone and computer
*Do my devotions every single day
*Send my Christmas cards before Christmas
Before long, my list grows to an impossible length and I wake up on January 1 with a sense of dread because I know I’m probably going to fail at most of my intentions.
I have one day left of 2022. One more day to think this through and get to a more realistic mindset for 2023.
What if I try to let go of my idealism? Instead of an impossible list, maybe I can go into the new year prayerfully. I can ask God to show me a few things to prioritize in 2023, but I don’t have to do “all the things” and I don’t have to do anything “every day.”
Life has an ebb and flow. The more we can acknowledge that, the happier we’ll be. Rather than beating ourselves up for missing a day of devotions or a workout at the gym, we can show ourselves grace and keep living each day doing the best we can.
God loves us unconditionally. He doesn’t care if the Christmas cards go out on time or if you’re constantly pushing up against the storage limits on your computer.
He’ll guide us each day and show us what he wants us to do. Love him and love others—those are the most important commands. The rest of life will fall into place in his timing (I know it takes some work on our part, but that feels like a topic for a future blog post).
Looking forward to a realistic new year just might help us begin 2023 with excitement and joy.
Happy New Year, everyone!
“In you, Lord my God, I put my trust….Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:1, 4–5 NIV)
Do you tend to get idealistic about starting a new year? How can focusing on God help you be more realistic?