New Year Practices for Advent
For longer than I can remember I have been a planner and used the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day to map out the next year and set some goals. This worked- most of the time. Then, there were times when I was interrupted, then New Year’s Day passed and in April I’m struggling to get my New Year files set up.
I needed more time—a longer runway to get things done well. That’s why several years ago I began this practice at the start of Advent—the New Year on the liturgical calendar. This way I would have more time to develop plans and set goals. Then, there is the added rush of adrenaline the week after Christmas for the final push of preparation.
For the next few weeks, I will share some of my practices hoping you will find encouragement or ideas to adopt for yourself. This week I start with sharing what I focus on:
The first week of Advent is reflective. Having just finished Thanksgiving and a month where we focus on being thankful it is a natural transition and a rolling start to set up plans for the future. The four areas I reflect on are:
Faith—have I grown? Is my life bearing fruit?
Family—have I loved my family well? I include extended family here also.
Fitness—my health is important. Poor health will have an adverse effect on all of the
other areas.
Finances—I spend a lot of time here on spreadsheets and practices I’ve learned through the years.
In my reflection on this first week I’m not looking to evaluate. I just want to get introspective where I am in the best frame of mind before I approach the other weeks with more intentional work.
Envision the future. This is another soft approach that will build in intensity. I get a good calendar and get a feel for all the important dates on the calendar. I consider the rhythm of the year and try to anticipate my schedule for the year. This creates a good talking point with family where we all have input and merge our calendars.
Sabbath. I try to reconnect with what it means to experience Sabbath. I hope to experience Sabbath during the Advent season by not getting caught up in the stress of the season. The next weeks will be busy so I know that a lot of this experience is with my attitude and willingness to make sure rest happens I will look at Sabbath opportunities throughout the year and plan. If I can find Sabbath then I am able to start January 1 will better focus and energy.
This is a start.
Keep in touch and let me know how your experience of the New Year is going. I would love to learn from you also so don’t hesitate to reach out. My cell is 325-669-1517 and my email is horizon.jerry@gmail.com.