New Year – New Focus

New Year – New Focus

With each New Year, it seems to bring new possibilities.  I am one who likes to reflect on the past year and think about those possibilities for the upcoming year.  Depending on what you have gone through this past year, one may think, this next year can only get better. 

When we are closing out a year that has been difficult, it’s hard to imagine thinking about the New Year and what we might focus on.  With the loss of a spouse, it seems unthinkable to look forward to anything positive in the upcoming year.  The dreams we once had, are gone.  The plans we once had have been shattered.  

The pain and hurt we have gone through in the past year, is hard to imagine but in the same breath, what has happened cannot be changed.  So what do we do?  This whole process is a journey that takes time.  Although each of us travels this journey a little differently, we all go through it with many of the same similarities.  Rest assured, you will one day be able to wake up knowing that God has been with you each step of the way. 

One of the passages in the Bible that is a promise to us as we go through these tough times is found in Romans 15:13 which reads:  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Perhaps as you begin this New Year and are wondering what or where to start, may I make a few suggestions?  Some of these make sense to you and others you may think are just too far down the road to consider.

•  Make a list of the positive things in your life.

•  Remember the good life you have had with your spouse or family.

•  What baby steps can you take toward something rewarding for you or someone hurting?

•   Perhaps set some goals for yourself this year.  Not big goals but realistic goals let’s say three, six, nine or twelve months out. 

•  Where do you see yourself at these stages in the upcoming year?

If you are one who normally thinks about where or what you would like to do or see yourself down the road, go easy on yourself.  If you make plans and they do not happen, do not be hard on yourself.  It just may mean you were not ready emotionally for that goal.  Proverbs 3:5-6 reads:  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.  Again God’s promise is if we trust in Him, He will be there for us.

Rest assured that you will get through this with God’s help.  With each accomplishment, you will smile again and realize that you have made it.  You will make it!  If you are having a difficult time and need someone to talk to, please reach out to someone you trust.  There are many great faith based counselors to talk with.

May you find peace as you begin this New Year!   I pray you will find God’s arms wrapped around you and sense Him directing your path.