"Everything you could ever need for life and godliness has already been deposited in you by his divine power. For all this was lavished upon you through the rich experience of knowing him who has called you by name and invited you to come to him through a glorious manifestation of his goodness." - 2 Peter 1:3 TPT

Before you jump into the new year with plans and goals, would you pause with me?

Perhaps take a few breaths...inhaling for a count of 5 and exhaling for a count of 5.

What was your holiday season like? Did you find moments to rest? What joy did you experience? Consider your experience in all aspects of your life: emotions, thoughts, bodily.

Without judging any of this as good or bad...pleasant or unpleasant...just observe. Allow whatever bubbles up to come into your awareness. Simply breathe into it.

Now, invite Jesus into it.

How would he like to tend to your heart, mind, and body?

Maybe you journal a bit, or maybe you continue to breathe into your experience.

What do you notice?

Every New Year, I pray for a word or phrase for the year ahead. I learned this practice from author John Eldredge.

Sometimes, the word or phrase shows up early in January; other times, it might be something I hear recurring in February or March. This "theme" often helps me cultivate more awareness or set an intention, but most often, I find it offers a way of interpreting or realigning me when life is confusing or difficult.

One particular year, I heard the phrase "Let go" on repeat. What a gift! How often did I need that reminder!

So before you run ahead into the new year, Pause. Breathe. Ask.

Lord, you know everything. Everything I have just lived out and everything that is ahead. I seek your face now. I consecrate my days to you and ask that you speak into this year. What would you like to show me, Jesus?

And wait.

He will speak.

"But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep [the protector and provider]. The doorkeeper opens [the gate] for this man, and the sheep hear his voice and pay attention to it. And [knowing that they listen] he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out [to pasture]. When he has brought all his own sheep outside, he walks on ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice and recognize his call. They will never follow a stranger, but will run away from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” - John 10:2-5 AMP

May you be gentle with yourself as you move into the new year.

May you recognize Jesus' care for you.

May you hear the Voice of the Good Shepherd as He leads you.

Grace & Shalom,