I have just returned from one of my favorite vacations ever! I have been planning this trip for over a year. We spent six days in New York City. I absolutely loved being there at Christmastime. I am a city girl so I get energized by being in the hubbub, the lights, the people. It was lovely to be with my husband and kids in this magical place. I may have worn them out, but we all had a great time.
It also gave me time to step away from the every day and take a breath. Rest. Review. Reset. This put me in a place to ring in the new year. My tradition of taking time to reflect and ponder each New Year was a little different this year. Why?
You see, the real reason we took the trip at Christmas, I was grieving. If I am being honest with myself, I have been grieving for several years. I have experienced loss across the spectrum. Christmas used to be my favorite time of year. Always. For many years, we hosted the holidays and my house was filled with lots of family and friends. But with the passing of my mother-in-law, mom and dad as well as people moving, divorcing and remarrying, well, the holidays became a reminder of what was lost. My sweet husband and kids were gracious to give me the space this year to do things differently and create new memories.
So as I sit here on the first day of 2025, I am reflecting on the year just completed but also a lifetime of holidays. I can’t change the facts of the past, but I am redefining how they send me into my future. I want to share with you two things that I am learning. I hope this encourages you as I know life is static for no one. May the Lord bless you and bring you the peace only He gives in this beautiful new year!
I walked away with these two things:
What an opportunity that we are always learning. Every experience, positive or negative, beautiful or disparaging, teaches us something. We get to choose how we use it. I want to use it wisely.
Do it instead of just saying it. For years, I would talk about things I was going to do. Now, I don’t just talk about it. If it’s something God has placed on my heart or I know to be true, I move forward. Even if it means waiting, I am still being active instead of passive.
So here’s to what we’re all learning, and doing more of what we have been saying…Happy New Year my friends!
Love ~ Sandi
