As we are still just dipping our toes into this New Year, I thought I’d share this writing I updated from the past. I just took down my Christmas decor this past Sunday (much to my husband’s dismay). I claim that I am waiting for Epiphany – to welcome the wise men 🙂 Truly, I love the lights and peace of the season so it is hard for me to let it go. Today, I realized I don’t have to leave that feeling behind. I can take it with me into 2024 and you can too!

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”     

Hebrews 11:1

As I sat quietly taking in our Christmas lights and decorations, I became keenly aware that the season had come to an end. Soon I would pack all of it away until next year.

Looking at our tree whose branches held our precious ornaments, I couldn’t help but remember how I unpacked each and hung them with great care finding each the perfect placement for this year’s display. 

Years’ worth of memories unpacked. Numerous milestones represented – marriages, births, friendships (young and old), and each child’s handiwork. There are also new additions to my evergreen time capsule. All very recent, fresh. Some representing unanticipated experiences of the past year. Some physically present and others only in my mind – a memorial rose, a marriage, and a retirement to name a few.

I wonder – What’s next?

This New Year is poised to be another one sure to make a unique mark giving me more to unpack next Christmas. 

Some things we know and plan for – vacation, time with family and friends, and a celebration on the horizon. 

But what about the unexpected? Guaranteed there will be things we don’t see coming – good and bad. 

It’s the science of the New Year. Dependent, Independent, and Uncontrolled Variables of Life. 

It’s also New Year math. Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division. Remember solving for X? The unknown. So frustrating. 

With that, we step into this New Year of promise and unpredictability. Sound scary? Sound exciting? It can be. Exciting and scary. 

All we can do is step out each day on Faith knowing the only thing that truly matters – our only real guarantee – is Jesus by our side. This thought brings comfort and peace. 

What’s next?

Who knows? Not me and finally (after half a century) I am ok with that. Why? Because God knows and all I have to do is trust in Him – every day, all day.

In this New Year, I pray for your strength and peace in your ‘What’s Next’. 

Let’s see what new memories we will make to unpack in December.