This post is part of the Five Minute Friday blog link-up. It’s an opportunity to join up with a community of writers and bloggers of all ages and stages who gather around a single word prompt to free-write, unscripted and unedited, for five minutes.
It must be tough to be January. I mean, really, no other month has it so hard. As a society, we collectively lay all our hopes, dreams and expectations at its feet as if something magical should happen with the turn of the calendar and the start of the new year.
And just when we find ourselves all wrapped up in motivational slogans to start fresh and take hold of new possibilities for ourselves, our family and future, excitement and expectation too often crash headlong into disappointment, frustration and discouragement.
As some might say, such is the way of the world, or perhaps a more accurate phrase, an unbelieving world.
Because as a believer, I no longer find myself overly burdened by all that January is meant to be. Yes, I still set goals, work to accomplish new things, get excited by the thought of “all things new.” But January no longer holds a monopoly on new beginnings or do-overs.
I don’t have to wait for a new year, a new month, or even a Monday. Because of Jesus, my fresh starts—and yours too—are new every morning. What a gift, Great is His faithfulness!
I like that you empathized with January. It sure does have a lot to live up to, especially this year, ha! So thankful that Jesus never lets us down, and his mercies are new every morning. Great encouragement for today, thank you!
I’m at #55 this week (yeah, a procrastinator)
Miccah
Thanks for your comments! I’ll check out your post, and hey, it’s just a number:) You did it…yay!
I’m already floundering on some of my January goals, so this statement of yours held particular hope:
“January no longer holds a monopoly on new beginnings or do-overs.” I like that.
~ Cindie, visiting from FMF #53
I agree that January 1st isn’t the only fresh start we get every year. It’s just one of them. I don’t get rattled by a new year anymore, but birthdays might bother me a bit. It was nice to meet you on Kate M.’s zoom call today. Take care, and keep writing.
Hi Suzette! It was nice to see you today, as well! While we all might have Zoom fatigue at this point, it certainly is a blessing of technology that a group of people separated by many miles can join together online and connect. Thanks for stopping by! I’ve enjoyed reading a few posts on your site! Keep up the great work.
I never thought about how hard it is to be January 🙂 But like you, I am grateful for fresh starts and fresh mercies, each and every morning!
🙂 Me, too!
I’m definitely glad that fresh starts are not just for January! Visiting from FMF.
Thanks for stopping by…100% agree!
I am so glad that we get do-overs and new starts anytime, not just January. Visiting from FMF.
Me, too! I’m often in need:)
Thank goodness for fresh starts daily!
Yes!
His mercies are new every morning! I loved this. I have been struggling a little bit this year (probably not alone in that, huh?) and having a hard time getting my Pollyanna on. But you’re so exactly right. There’s nothing magical about January 1. Tomorrow is January 16. New morning = new mercies!
I’m right there with you! I had some plans for January that were derailed by some unexpected events in December. It was frustrating, for sure, but it’s really just a shift. I also find comfort knowing God sees every struggle, fear and yearning. He sees me, and you, in our struggles, and He meets our needs. What a great God we serve! Blessings to you!