A start to new beginnings
It is that time of the year again. The time for vision boards, 2021 diaries, new year resolutions and the countless clichés that come with ringing in the new year. But who says we can only make resolutions and changes on the first of January?
I remember listening to a youtuber talk about New Year’s resolutions; she mentioned that one doesn’t have to wait until the first of January to make an effort to make a change in their lives.
The Liturgical Year
The start of the church’s calendar beginning on the first Sunday of advent can be a wonderful opportunity to transform yourself while awaiting the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Look at it this way; imagine you are anticipating the arrival of an important guest, a date that you have been looking forward to or an event that you are preparing for. You have to look your best, sound your best and be your best for that important person. We all do this all the time for people or things we have placed value on. We invest so much time for them, but do we do the same for our Lord?
Although Advent has been concluded and our Lord has been delivered to us, the Christmas season is not over yet and we are still at the start of the new Liturgical Year. Christmas ends on the sixth of January, the day the three wise men visited our Lord with Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. We should also present ourselves and prepare ourselves for God, now and throughout the year.
Birthdays
Birthdays are also a great time to make changes. God has just blessed you with another year on earth. We must give thanks to God on birthday occasions and also use it as a moment to reflect on the previous year and make changes to ourselves for the new year.
The Secular New Year
However, don’t be overwhelmed by the thought of making changes; I once heard a good advice from an American talk show host who said that instead of making unrealistic goals that most people don’t stick with after the first 24 hours, we should practice having an attainable goal each month of the year and two or three long term goals for the year. Accomplishing the short-term monthly goals will bless you with the will, grace and self-mastery to succeed with the long-term goals. You can start making those changes now, so that you can be ready for the next advent season and be ready to receive Jesus!
You don’t need to wait until the first of January to make a new year’s resolution, and you shouldn’t be hard on yourself if you don’t achieve your goals or meet the requirements of your new year’s resolution. Other opportunities will present themselves.
In the words of the great Saint Pope John Paul II,
“Remember the past with gratitude. Live the present with enthusiasm. Look forward to the future with confidence”
Happy New Year and may peace and blessings come your way in 2021!