New Year Expectations by Tara Randel

I hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas. I enjoyed time with my family, exchanging gifts and eating good food. My husband and I watched a Christmas Eve livestream service with our daughter and let me say, it was one of the best times we’ve had together, in or out of church.

Soon we’ll be putting away the gifts, taking down the decorations and getting ready for a new year. I don’t make resolutions, but I do strive to take a measured look at the year to come. I’m thankful that I have work throughout the year. I love my job and wouldn’t want to be in any other profession. But as much as I can’t wait to sit down at the keyboard, I know there has to be balance in my life.

This year I’m focusing on just that; balance. Intentionally making sure I spend time with loved ones. Making sure I don’t get in over my head. Although, that’s a foregone conclusion since I’ve already signed contracts, but being able to manage my time so I don’t feel so under the water is a goal.

I will stop to take deep breaths.

I will read and study the Word.

I will go to the gym early and start my day off with exercise.

I will go to Disney whenever my daughter wants to go.

I will smell the roses along the way.

Simple intentions, sometimes hard to carry out.

There’s no telling what 2022 will bring. Who would have thought we’d have had so much stress and tension in the last two years? But no matter what we do or where we are, we must always remember; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. No matter the struggles, standing on God’s word will bring us peace and purpose in this new year.

Happy New Year!