Falling Short

I love New Year. It’s a time when we can say goodbye to the past, whether it was filled with success and blessing, or failure and darkness. The future stretches before us, as unblemished as freshly fallen snow. The possibilities seem endless. Hope raises its head and bids us walk forward with innocent anticipation.

As I draw my lines and set my goals for 2025, I can’t help but look back at the lists I drew up this time last year. Of the thirteen shiny aims, less than half were achieved – three of them in the “professional” category of writing and publishing. One of the spiritual goals was achieved but not followed up. (Never write “plan”, which is far too easy to do!) I could look at the lack of ticks and conclude that I failed pretty conclusively. I could berate myself for missing deadlines and not being more proactive.

Or I can give myself a pat on the back and try again.

Goals should never be the ultimate driving force in your life. It’s always good to have things to aim for instead of drifting aimlessly through life with no focus, but they should never be prioritised over family, friends, your mental and physical health, or being kind to yourself and others. The journey, not the destination, is the important part.

In 2024, I was dealing with the long-term effects of covid on my body. I had two weddings to attend. I lost my dad in May. My daughter-in-law changed her job, which meant another day looking after my delightful granddaughter instead of writing, or creating something amazing with the pottery kit my son gave me last Christmas. In short, life turned up.

I learned long ago not to get annoyed when things disrupted my carefully laid plans. Instead of resenting an interruption, I embrace it. As a Christian, I believe God is in control of my life, and if a person appears on my doorstep, especially someone I haven’t seen in a long time, then it’s time to drop what you’re doing and live in that moment, because they may need something only you can give.

Or if you are so tired you can’t think about putting any words on that blank document, your body may be telling you it’s time to rest while you have the chance.

So, I am making my lists. A few have rolled over from last year. Some have been abandoned or reworded to make them more useful. I may add some more over the next couple of weeks as I contemplate 2025.

Yet, even as I write them on the brand-new page, I know I must put them on the back burner. One of Hallie’s other childminders has been in hospital with pneumonia, so I am having to step up to cover whilst she recuperates. My time has suddenly been severely curtailed, and it’s only the first week of January.

By all means, make your resolutions. Aim high and far. Have great expectations. But don’t forget to live in those precious moments along the way, and be there for your loved ones when they need you.