Making a Case for 2023
Is it just me or does it feel like the first two months of 2023 felt like an entire year already? Many people started the year off with goals, resolutions, and optimism. So many of my discussions recently have been around how much life happened just within the last few weeks. For many the year began with grief, rejection, loss, and pain. I've even heard a few people joke that, "March needs to come in quietly and act like it has some sense," due to the fact that January and February were so chaotic. Despite being off to an interesting start, I'd like to make a positive case for the year ahead.
A few weeks ago, I heard a message on the propensity for things to figuratively and literally pass away during the winter season in preparation for a bright new start in the spring. Being laid off from your job, losing a loved one, ending relationships, struggling financially, and failing to perform well are just some of the examples of how life can create dissonance between our reality and what we hope for. If we aren't careful, these setbacks can slowly chip away at our self-esteem, confidence, and hope that things will get better. What can be done with the remnants of your life when you are trying to pick up the pieces to make everything right?
I was speaking with my friend about this the other day and you know what we came up with? We don't know. Honestly no one knows what the future holds. Sometimes we can make plans and have expectations for the way things should go and then the unexpected happens. Despite this being the reality of our lives, here are some encouraging things to remember.
Feelings are NOT facts. Feelings do not define you. You can feel depressed, afraid, anxious, or heartbroken without these being your identity for the entire year. Feelings can be seen as storms, they will pass if you let them.
You are more than a sum of your experiences. Sometimes what didn't work out for you really worked out for you.
This is not the end of your story. Nothing is final, it's just an unforeseen change. Change can lead to growth and you have no idea where this year can take you.
Trust that there is a purpose and that something important is happening behind the scenes that you may not be able to understand right now.
Even if you can't see what tomorrow holds, trust that a loving God holds the future. Try not to attach yourself to an outcome or feel discouraged when you can't see the way this will all work out. Trust that goodness, joy, fulfillment, and better days are ahead.
You will look back on these moments and be amazed at how far you've come and how even through the darkness light reached you.
Don't allow the first few weeks of the year to rob you of the hope for the remainder of this year. The best is yet to come. Here's to starting fresh in March and expecting it to usher in greater clarity, wisdom, joy, and your greatest hearts desires! You deserve to experience that in 2023.
