How to Honor The End of a Difficult Year
Do you enjoy the beginning of a new year? I do. Maybe because it can feel like a fresh start–especially if the year I just finished was difficult.
One way I prepare for a new year is to go through a process of honoring the year that just ended. The process involves reflecting on what I embraced in the year, what I let go of, what went well, and what was challenging. When I write down what was challenging, I also write down who helped me in the difficult time and what I learned from it. This process helps me to be grateful.
Choosing Gratitude for the Difficult Stuff
It’s easy to be grateful for the positive people in our lives and the exciting things that happened in a year. But if the year was a challenging or painful one, the difficult circumstances or the people that caused us pain don’t usually make it on the grateful list. Year by year, I’m learning to change that. I’m learning, as the apostle Paul said, “to give thanks in all circumstances” because that is God’s will for me (1 Thess. 5:18 NIV).
There has been no shortage of painful events and circumstances in my life–divorce, raising teenagers, death of a loved one, chronic pain. But when I reflect on those times and ask, “Who helped me during that time?” and “What did I learn from it?”–I discover things I am grateful for. Those times, although the darkest, were also the times when I grew the most and felt God the closest.
When I was 27 and three months pregnant with our second child, my husband ended our marriage. My heart and future shattered. But that brokenness led me back to my first love–Jesus. I have never felt Him closer than in those years as a single mom. He was my comfort and became my best friend. I am grateful for those years when I fell in love with Jesus.
Parenting teens. Waiting at a window through the night. Sitting with fear and listening to his whispers in the dark. But a mother’s heart is strong, and her prayers are stronger. My husband and I learned to lean on each other during that time. And those long nights and tumultuous days taught me so much! I learned patience, forgiveness, the power of prayer, and how to place my children in the hands of Jesus–and leave them there. I am so grateful for the fruit of the Spirit grown in those years.
Death of a loved one, several actually, in only a few years. That pain has been the hardest for me. And while I cannot say I am grateful my loved ones are gone, I am thankful for the gifts that grief brought me. Grief walks in and out of my life now, but it doesn’t always bring tears. Sometimes, it brings beautiful memories, which remind me of how precious people are. It reminds me to savor every moment and love unconditionally because the curtain between this life and eternity can shift suddenly. And so, I can be grateful for grief.
The chronic pain of migraines is debilitating, both physically and emotionally. It is difficult to feel grateful or positive. Chronic pain wears you down, and depression waits to lay beside you. But it is through this battle that I have become familiar with and practiced the weapon of praise. When I don’t have the strength to fight, praise and worship carry me into the presence of God. I find comfort and strength there, and I have learned to rush into the throne room when I become weary. For that, I am grateful.
The Key of Gratefulness
When we take the time to consider what we can be grateful for, no matter the circumstance, we are acknowledging God’s goodness and His work in our lives. That is powerful. Gratefulness is powerful. It is a key that opens doors that lead to hope, strength, and peace.
As I start a new year, I am excited about the possibilities! But I am also aware that in this world we will have difficulties. And so, I carry the key of gratefulness with me, and the key chain is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
ESV
As you reflect on the year that has ended and what you will bring into the new year, do you have the key of gratefulness?
If you would like reflective questions to honor the past year and guiding questions to embrace the new year, I have a free download for you on my website.
Meet Rebecca Peters
Rebecca Peters is a gifted writer and communicator. Professionally, she is the Director of Communications and Resource Development for Pregnancy Care Canada. She has worked in this role since 2015, specializing in resource development, donor communications, fund development, and social media. Personally, Rebecca writes devotionals, poetry, and blogs to bring encouragement and hope to a wounded world. Her heart is to draw others to the love of God and encourage them to walk closely with Him.
Rebecca lives in Alberta with her husband and a house full of pets. Her three adult children, their partners, and her granddaughter are her greatest joys. Although Rebecca’s life has been marked by times of significant loss, it is through those times that she felt God the closest and learned to abide with Him. It is from the place of abiding that she writes.
Where to find her . . .
Begin Within is a series to inspire a year-round lifestyle of gratitude that will impact not only your own life, but the lives of your neighbors as well. Gratitude is a theme we talk about often around here because it ties so closely into other missional living rhythms. Practicing gratitude reminds to keep our hearts soft and expectant and our eyes open. Therefore, the more we embrace gratitude, the easier it becomes to truly see our neighbors and where we can join what God is already doing in our neighborhoods.
If you would like to contribute to Begin Within, you can find the submission guidelines here.
10 Things You Might Be Doing That Keep Your Friendships Shallow
(+ 1 Simple Habit to Shift Your Direction)
If you long for deep, meaningful relationships, this is for you!
Creating Ripples
If you would like to cultivate rhythms in addition to gratitude that will empower you live on mission in your neighborhood, check out Cultivating a Missional Life: A 30-Day Devotional to Gently Help You Open Your Heart, Home, and Life to Your Neighbors. This small book will help you make a big impact in your neighborhood as you learn to let missional living flow from the inside out. Get the 30-day missional living challenge free when you purchase the book.
