It doesn’t have to be dead space, this period. It could in fact be incredibly precious, if we’re intentional about how we spend it. In fact, I think there’s an important activity for which this time is ideally suited, and which we ignore to our detriment.
The turn of a New Year presents us with a perfect opportunity to look ahead. We remind ourselves of spiritual, vocational and even physical ambitions: ‘I want to tell more people about Jesus this year’; ‘I want to drop a dress size’ (that’s not one of mine), and so on. We gaze into the future filled with sometimes-uncharacteristic idealism. A new year offers a new slate; another chance to be the best version of ourselves. All of this is great, and to be encouraged.
But as we ritually look forward, do we sometimes neglect to spend enough time looking back? Reflecting on the past year – thinking not only about the things that went badly and might provoke change, but also those moments of joy, success and learning? Do you do that? I know I don’t do it nearly enough. I certainly don’t dwell on the many clear instances of God’s goodness. The final few days of the year provide a perfect opportunity to give some serious thought to the lessons of the year – to remember where God has been at work in us, and even to recall the times when he has seemed silent.
So this year, don’t let allow the weirdest week to fill itself with laziness, over-consumption and (heaven forbid) sales shopping. Instead, see it as a gift of an opportunity to remember and reflect. Take some quality time out to be quiet, meditate and pray.
Before you look forward, look back.
Martin Saunders is the Editor of Youthwork
