I wrote this reflection in response to this call-out: Why Do I Love/Not Love the Start of a New Year.
A New Year is a Reset
The start of a new year feels like a reset. As I get older, the years seem to pass more quickly. Even though I watch my calendar and mark each day, I am always a bit surprised when January arrives again. Where did the year go? And yet, its arrival brings a sense of possibility. I begin each new year by writing lists, creating new goals, and preparing myself for a new adventure. Reviewing the previous year, I note that some goals were completed, some got pushed aside, and others were replaced with successes that I hadn’t even dreamed of.
No matter how focused or determined I am, the year rarely unfolds as I plan. I often think of the old Yiddish proverb, “Man plans, God laughs.” There is wisdom in these words. There is value in planning, but also in surrendering to how the year unfolds. Being open to trying again when a new year arrives allows for more growth each year. I have learned not to be too rigid with my plans because I risk missing the new paths God may be opening before me.
As each new year approaches and the holidays begin to wind down, the world seems to pause. Nature grows quiet, resting before the rebirth coming in spring. This season of rest and reflection provides an opportunity to slow down and assess. I record my accomplishments, blessings, and losses. I also give thanks for the lessons learned from people who have entered my life and those who have left it.
The longer I live, the more I understand the value of the lesson provided in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” I lean more heavily into the joy of knowing God’s timing is perfect, and everything is made beautiful in its time. My perspective is narrow, while God sees all things. As I step into the new year, I find peace in trusting in God, who sees the whole picture.
I think of the small moments of kindness that brightened my day. A simple act, like holding a door open or sharing a smile, can make my day much brighter. A kind word from a teacher or friend can alter the trajectory of a life’s path. Encouraging words can build a path toward dreams that once seemed unattainable. There are many people, some who have passed, whom I thank for encouraging me to try new things and new life paths, resulting in some of the most beautiful parts of my life.
I want to believe that I have made that difference for others. We don’t always know the influence we have on the lives around us. As a former teacher, however, I have been blessed with glimpses of that impact. Students have told me, in person and in notes, about my positive impact on their lives. My joy in reading notes that said, ‘You made me believe that this dream is possible,’ still reverberates through my soul. They remind me that the long hours, the quiet encouragement, and the strong belief in my students truly mattered.
As this new year begins, I walk forward in faith, trusting that God walks beside me. There will be ups and downs, lessons to learn, and moments when my faith is tested, but I will continue to grow stronger and draw closer to Him. Life is an adventure marked by learning, growing in faith, and deepening my relationship with God.
