Acts 2:43 – Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles.

Gratitude Day 921

Years ago, I used to love the week between Christmas and New Year’s. The years that I worked in an office. The phone was quieter. Fewer people in the office. It was a great opportunity to catch up. I’d clean out my files that were overstuffed and overflowing, go through the stack of papers that I never quite got around to, clean up my computer and get it more organized, and jot down a few ideas that I’d like to focus on in the upcoming year.

These days, I “work” from home. There are definitely advantages: I set my own hours, do laundry at the same, can help out with a grandchild when the need is there. My actual “work” hours are more flexible these days. There is good in this, and yet, I also find myself not nearly as efficient as when the minutes felt precious and few.

This year in the week between Christmas and New Year’s, I haven’t cleaned a file. Organized my computer. The stack of papers is still standing on my desk. I’ve removed a few that had to be dealt with but that is it. I’ve spent time with friends and family this week. Did some visitation. We plan to have another family Christmas celebration today. I do want to jot down some ideas for 2025 at some point. I’m not sure if I call them “goals” as much as “projects” and “areas of focus.”

But before I do this, I think it’s also prudent to pause and take a look back. Celebrate the good things that happened. Let go of things you thought were important and my now longer be as imperative. See where shifts have happened.

Here are a few questions for you to think about. It might be helpful to pull out your calendar or look through the photos on your phone to help you recall all what happened in this past year. Together, let’s pause and think about how this past year went.

1. What are the things that you really enjoyed this last year?
   For me, 2024 included more travel. Hubby Rick and I spent the early part of January in Hawaii, a dream vacation. In August, I traveled to Thailand with my nephew and his family. There were a shorter trips as well; sometimes just a long weekend or a day or two. Each trip included time with family and friends, which was so meaningful. Time and shared experiences with others is just, well, special.

Hubby Rick and I spend time with our grandkids on a regular basis. We are official bleacher warmers. Other times, it’s a meal with one or a few of them, going about normal every-day activities, or watching a football game together. Shared time is important. Memories are created. It’s a reminder that the little things ARE the big things.

2. What challenges came your way this past year?
   For over 12 years, I worked a part-time marketing job in the dairy industry. It’s kept me connected to my roots. It was a small company with just a few people in the office. In February 2024, the owner of the company died in a vehicle accident. While a small company, about 50% of sales were overseas. The impact was far reaching.

For a variety of reasons, the company has not continued. The office officially during the summer. So, I am jobless? Retired? Trying to figure out what I’m going to do when I grow up? All of the above? I’m not really sure. I have a couple clients I work for, yet, my “work” situation has changed. It’s not bad. It’s just different.

The death of my boss has me repeatedly asking people (and now I ask you): Do you have your crap together? Are your affairs in order? Does someone know your wishes? Do you have your important information all in one place? If not, please prioritize this during the month of January. Seriously. Make sure things are up-to-date. It is painful to watch someone go through a challenging situation that could have been less complicated with more pre-planning.

3. What do I need more of going forward?
   I am still trying to figure out this “life” stuff. What DO I want to do when I grow up? We are never too old to ask ourselves this and take time to figure this out. For now. I’ve been working on this for a while. Progress feels very SLOW. But I want to honor God’s call in my life. I pray you do the same.
4. What is one thing I know for sure?
   Connecting with other people is important. I miss going to an office or other space regularly. And so, it’s up to me to create this space in my life. Each morning, I write down three things I am grateful for that happened in the last 24ish hours. The first things I always write down are the people I have recently connected with. And so, this will be something I will prioritize for this next year.

Something else that is important to me: being able to share a few thoughts about faith with other people. Just how this looks, I continue to sort out. But thank you for reading along, listening a long, letting me share some of my thoughts.

Can I encourage you to think about these few questions in the next couple of days? And maybe identify a couple priorities for this next phase of your life? Keep your expectations low. Make them easy to meet. Talk with God about this all. Be guided by the Holy Spirit.

One last thought: not sure where to start reading scripture in 2025? There are 31 days in January and 31 days in the Book of Proverbs. Maybe this is a good place to start.

For the opportunity to reflect, I am very grateful.
Blessings –
Dianne
Loving God – Thank you for this last year. Even if it was filled with challenges and disappointments, I pray that I can see Your presence with me. May I celebrate the things that were special and meaningful to me as well. Place it upon my heart how I might serve you and be led by you in 2025. Help me to know Your call in my life today. Amen.

Looking for a bit of daily inspiration? Check out my daily affirmation posts on Facebook (Dianne Deaton Vielhuber and Simple Words of Faith) or on Instagram (diannedeatonvielhuber.)

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