It’s that day of the year. The year I try to resist being overly introspective or retrospectively analytical. Why? Because all the kids are doing it. I have been attempting to be more reflective, more intentional, more thoughtful about my life day to day over the past year. Partly it was because I was finishing seminary and knew I would be out of the constant microscope of “required” spiritual formation. And partly was a by-product of being enrolled in CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education).

But this last year has been one of growth and change, of that much I am certain. I own my decisions more. I am working on fretting less about others’. I’ve lived through chaos in remodeling, and been refreshed by the resulting “calm after the storm.” And I’ve come to see the blessings of the littlest of moments and events in my life.

So when I change calendars in the morning, it won’t be with regrets or optimistic statements. I hope I’ll continue to just be me. Happy. Blessed. Moving forward. Hope you are as well!

Happy New Year!