What did you get out of 2023?
On the first day of 2024, the gyms have new members, new life goals set, and countless people say “New Year, new me”. Some might even say, “I am never doing______again.”
But what did you get out of 2023?
A few days ago, my wife asked me what I got out of 2023. My response, much like any on-the-spot question, was, “I don’t know.” That question continues to fly around, looking for an answer and where to land. God has been incredibly and undeniably faithful; 2023 was no exception.
Our thoughts and dreams have come to life, all in different stages of progress. But through it all, God was and remains faithful.
My biggest takeaway from 2023 is that when you put God first and commit to what He has for you, it does not matter what life throws your way. You will be able to handle it because He is there with you. He saved the three men in the fire pit, but he didn’t just save them; he was in there with them.
”Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
Daniel 3:24-25 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/dan.3.24-25.NIV
In 2023, my family had just recently moved into our current home.
We bought several cows
We bought some chickens
Had/were given some pigs, but they ran away all the way home
and through those animals, we did experience some loss.
God has a unique way of preparing us for life by showing us how to deal with loss.
In our lives, new faces joined the church, and, unfortunately, we lost some friendly faces. We try to encourage enjoying the season of time we have with people and our connections. However, it is still natural for us to get attached to those connections, the friendships, those brothers and sisters in Christ.
It can be difficult, and we are often left asking, Why?
We completed a full year as youth pastors for our great group of students, and I know God has such amazing things for each one. We had a great year with them, and I know that if I just put more focus, attention, and intention into them, we could help them grow to reach their subsequent fulfillment in life. We could help guide them to their fullness in themselves, their relationships, and their walk with God.
My biggest takeaway from 2023 is:
I need to be more intentional with my time and priorities.
I want to be more organized in all aspects of my life.
I will not spend 2024 trying to “fix” 2023. But I will use it to improve and do more in 2024.
What did you take away from 2023?
-Rick
