For the record, it’s currently 1:47 AM as I start to write this. I do find it odd how 98% of my ideas for this blog come to me between 12 PM and 6 AM; if anyone reading this knows why that is and would want to explain it to me, I’d love to know. Anyway, 2024 is almost over, and we’re about ready to head into 2025. I’ve been spending a lot of time reflecting on my New Year resolution. Every year I pick a single word to really dive into and to really focus in on. 2 years ago, in 2023 (which feels like yesterday for the record), my word was Open. I wanted to be more open to what God was going to do in my life and open to new things and new experiences. That was a very full year, but it wasn’t an easy year by any means. However, by God’s Grace and the support of those around me, I survived and thrived.
This last year, my word of the year has been NOW. My overall Goal was to live more in the moment and focus on what God was trying to do in and through me right NOW rather than constantly worrying about the future. Did I achieve it? That’s a matter of opinion, but I would say so. I was blessed with TONS of amazing new experiences, Made TONS of lasting memories with those around me, Was blessed with the ability to meet and connect with TONS of new and amazing people, and, most importantly, I had tons of encounters with my Lord and Savior, which was the biggest blessing of all. Was it 100% a smooth ride down easy street? Not by any means, but this year, more than ever, what really got me through the hard moments was knowing that I never had to do any of it alone. I’m blessed with the most AMAZING group of friends and family who I can lean on and depend on when the going gets tough and a God who has the ultimate plan for my life that I can find peace and comfort in.
After much thinking and praying about what my word for the year 2025 should be, I decided my word for the year would be DO. I feel so often that we tell each other, “We should do that sometime,” or “I’ve always wanted to do that,” but then when it comes down to it, it just doesn’t happen for one reason or another. This year, more than ever, I want to DO more of the things I talk about but never get around to for one reason or another. I’ve experienced several losses over the last few years, and it really reminds me that tomorrow isn’t promised and that God came to earth so we could have abundant life and life to the fullest while we’re here on his earth. The Church I had the privilege of serving at last summer had John 10:10 written on the wall of their main lobby, and I loved that so much because I would walk past it every day, and it reminded me to make the most of the time I have. For those of you who aren’t aware, John 10:10 says, “The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so they may have life and have it to the full” (NIV). What does it mean to have life and have it to the full? For some, it means having a lot of money or living in a big mansion. For us as believers in Christ, though, living life to the full means knowing and living out our life purpose, and we all share the same purpose. To honor and glorify God with our lives. What does it mean to honor and glorify God with our lives? Different people have different ways of going about that, and as long as God gets the glory and it isn’t about a selfish motive, it doesn’t matter how you go about it.
So, as you go into this new year, what does that look like for you? What does it look like to honor and glorify God with YOUR life? Maybe it means being kind to those who aren’t always kind to you. Maybe it means being more generous with your time, talents, and resources. It’s different for everyone, but whatever it is, I want to challenge you to go and DO it. Praying that you all have an amazing 2025 filled with Peace, Joy, and love.
God Bless,
-Jonathan R Sandidge