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Christmas has come and gone, and the new year is on the horizon. A new year that, prayerfully, will be full of hope, healing, and intention for each of us.

As I contemplate 2024, I look back on a year that was hard. It was hard in so many different ways, filled with heartache, frustration, and difficulties. The economy greatly impacted our small family-owned business, which, in turn, affected many other areas of life, and kept the reminder of not having Norm here to share the weight of it all at the forefront of my mind.

Our children are growing and becoming young adults, which brought us into situations that were painful reminders that their Daddy is not here to seek guidance, advice, and encouragement from. Our house needed maintenance, and my son and I attempted to handle it, but every time we tried, what should have been simple tasks turned into what felt like mountainous projects.

There have also been health issues that, at times, made daily life more challenging and caused tears of frustration. Navigating all these difficulties—and more—without Norm has been hard. So very hard.

But God.

“Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in His holy habitation.”
Psalm 68:5 (ESV)

As I look back on 2024, I can also see where God made a way. He established our path, opened up new avenues for ministry, and created beautiful new connections and friendships. He showed up as our Provider, as a Father to my fatherless children, and as the Healer of our hurts and wounds.

So, as I approach 2025, I do so with eyes and heart wide open. I know that a new year does not guarantee freedom from difficulties. It does not promise a bright, beautiful year without hardship. Life may still be hard.

But God.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds”
Psalm 147:3 (ESV)

Life may still be hard, but it can also be beautiful. For me, the new year means new opportunities to intentionally rest in the truth that God is who He says He is. It means new opportunities to rest in the assurance that He has a plan for me and for my family. It’s new opportunities to trust in the knowledge that He is good, His plans for us are good, and that He is constantly at work in my life—even when I don’t see it or recognize it.

I am full of hope for a year where He reveals more of Himself, His plan and purpose in my life. And even when I cannot see Him at work or understand what He is doing, I trust that He is orchestrating my life, making my path clear and straight, making a way, healing and growing me. I will remember that He is for me, not against me.

As we step into 2025, let us hold onto the truth that God is faithful. Let us remember that while life may bring challenges, He brings hope and healing. He is who He says He is, and in Him, we can find strength, purpose, and peace.

“I am Who I am”
Exodus 3:14a (ESV)

Let Us Pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for bringing us through 2024, even with all of its difficulties and heartaches, You made a way for us. We ask that as we move forward into 2025 that You will draw us unto Yourself. Speak life and peace and joy into our hearts and show us Who You are daily. Help us to trust with intention, even when we can’t see You. We are so grateful for Your presence and purpose and ask that You work in ways that only You can and that You are honored and glorified through our lives. In Jesus name, Amen