I have mixed emotions for the start of a new year. On one hand, I love the idea of a fresh start — like turning a new page. Everything feels possible and shiny and limitless. But then I stop and think: Isn’t every day like this? Don’t we have the chance to start fresh each morning? There’s a verse in the Lamentations chapter of the bible that reads “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) It’s been my favorite verse lately, reminding me of God’s faithfulness and His mercy that we receive each day. It’s overwhelming (for me) to meditate on His offering to us. So I struggle with the idea that this fresh start can only happen on January 1st. I also have a hard time with messaging that implies we need to completely revamp our life’s aspirations for this new year to be meaningful.
Here’s where I land: a new year is coming, just as a new day comes each morning. We have the ability to evaluate what our lives look like today, tomorrow or any day. If you want to take the opportunity to do so for the start of the new year, great. But you can also do that any day you’d like. Perhaps there are things you enjoy doing right now — maybe you have goals you’re already working toward. Not everything needs to be changed. Don’t that that pressure prevent you from seeing the big picture or moving forward.
Here are a few questions that have been helpful for me as I think about the new year:
As I thought about this year and what I want the next to look like, I thought about the disappointments, conflicts and struggles I encountered. Almost all were a result of rushing and hurrying, saying yes when I should have said no, taking on more work when I should have asked for help. So while thinking everything over, one theme came to mind — one that feels different for me. One that wouldn’t have even made sense to me a few years ago. In the new year, I want the theme of my life to be: unhurrying.
This might look like: Pacing myself. Slowing down. Being present. Not rushing. This means I’m setting goals that look toward the years to come as well as the months or days. This means I’m not getting caught up in comparing what I’ve accomplished to others. This means I’m being intentional with how I plan my day or spend my time. I have goals for 2020, a full schedule and other commitments that will require my time and energy. My entire life I’ve been hurrying and rushing and racing. And sure, I’ve gotten a lot done. But I often felt drained, strained and overwhelmed. I’ve been rash, lashed out, spoken before my turn. For a recovering perfectionist, unhurrying might be one of the hardest things I will ever do. I’m sure I won’t *arrive* at unhurrying by the end of the year. (Do we ever arrive?) But this is necessary, and I’m excited.