Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you had a wonderful festive season celebrating Christmas with family and friends. For some of you, the season might have meant cozy nights with deep snow and freezing weather. Meanwhile, here in Australia, we had our usual mix of heatwaves, beach days, and sadly, the occasional bushfire. It’s all part of the rhythm of life depending on where you live.
It’s easy to feel like the world is spinning out of control when the headlines are full of dramatic weather events, wars, and crises. But history has a way of reminding us that humanity is far more resilient than we give ourselves credit for. Just think—only a few years ago, we were in the midst of a global pandemic, adapting to a “new normal.” And now, here we are, carrying on with life, talking about electric cars and planning our next holidays.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: nothing stays the same. The only constant is change. During Covid, I often told my kids, “Don’t worry—this is just a moment in time. Things will change again.” And they did. Now, as we step into the so-called “post-Covid years,” we face new challenges and opportunities. Yet there’s always something about the start of a new year that feels hopeful. Whether it’s the personal resolutions we make or simply the idea of a fresh start, January carries a sense of excitement and possibility.
In our Bible study group, we’re currently reading Genesis. Recently, one of the pastors shared a thought that struck me: God created the seventh day for rest—and rest is a gift. It’s not just something we should do; it’s something we get to do. It made me reflect on how little I truly embrace this gift.
I’ll admit, resting doesn’t come naturally to me. I’m not a workaholic by any means, but even our holidays are planned to the last minute. My kids are the same—always busy, always on the go. When I was younger, Sundays felt like the worst day of the week. I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to take naps or do nothing all day. Didn’t they realize they were wasting precious time?
But now? Oh, how the tables have turned! Sundays are my favorite. There’s nothing better than sneaking in a nap without guilt, postponing all work-related tasks to Monday, and just enjoying a day of recharging. It’s a joy to slow down, to take time for God, and to embrace the rest He’s given us.
This year, I want to lean into this gift of rest more intentionally. I want to use my Sundays to truly “reload,” spending time with God and allowing Him to prepare me for the week ahead. It’s a small but profound way to walk through life with Him.
So, as we step into 2025, I pray that all your dreams come true. May this year be one of joy, growth, and yes, plenty of rest.
Here’s to a wonderful year ahead!