What is the week between Christmas and the new year like for you?

To me it feels like dead space.

My house was full of life, kids and grandkids playing games and opening gifts, and so much food! It was wonderful. But then they travel back to their own homes and the house seems deathly quiet and empty.

My husband is still here, mind you, but he was exhausted and not feeling well, wanting to take a day to rest and watch movies. (I didn’t mind, though it didn’t help lighten my mood.)

The weather has been a factor. Although we have only had a sprinkling of snow, the cold and the clouds add to my depression.

This week feels heavy. I am expected to evaluate my year, what worked, what didn’t, and what will I do differently next year. Like I said, heavy.

The funny thing is that I’m truly excited for next year, and if I’m honest, this year was a red-letter year for us. No matter, this week still feels like dead space to me. The failures of this year seem like a handicap going into the next and the plans for the next year seem frightening and exciting mixed together. I feel conflicted, confused, paralyzed, depressed, hopeful, anxious, and curious. Will I be up for the challenge of what God wants to work in my life? Or will my negative thoughts and the lies of Satan prevent me from succeeding?

We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.

Proverbs 19:21 (MSG)

This week doesn’t need to be dead space, it just needs me to tune in to God and trust in his way.

May each day be a celebration of Christ Jesus and the opportunity to begin anew.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy