What impacted me the most in 2024?
Deeper Dive
Happy New Year, friend!
I hope your holiday season was peaceful and filled with the warmth of family, friends, and Jesus. When I use the word “warmth” I remember the time our next door neighbor commented to me, “I noticed all the family were at your house for Christmas. And everything looked so warm and lovely!”
Never has a comment meant more to me, because I think it encapsulates what’s most important, especially at Christmas. It’s not the gifts, food, or fun activities (though all of that can be lovely and good). And it’s surely not the amount of money you spent, how big your house is, or any of the material things.
What’s truly significant is that we come together in the “warmth” of love—the love that comes from our Father in heaven. And even if your holiday was not all you hoped it would be, I pray you felt the warmth of God’s presence near and that this will carry you into 2025.
In last year’s milestone post, I talked about the need to pause and reflect as we transition to a new year. This led me to title that post, “What impacted me the most in 2023?” This seemed to suit, so I’m using it again this year.
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“What impacted you in 2024?”
There may be one big thing that immediately comes to your mind (i.e., lost my job; became a first-time mom; survived cancer; my adult child came back to God). Or it may be a series of events and occurrences that impacted your life over the course of the past year.
Write it down or type it out! As things come to mind that impacted you, I encourage you to start making a list.
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Here is how I answered the question, “What impacted me in 2024?”
Started drawing my social security on my birthday in January. I’m still working, but have begun a slow, gradual transition towards retirement. (Cannot believe I’ve reached this phase, but I’m here for it.)
Created an editorial schedule for writing and tried to stick to it. It went well until mid-summer when I hit a major brick wall. Took a couple of months off from writing. (Thank you, readers, for staying with me.)
In March, my husband retired from coaching at the university level. He’s still working as athletic director, but giving up coaching was a big deal.
Completed a journal on the New Testament book of James. Still finalizing this project, which should be available on Etsy in 2025. (The goal is more journals to come, with God’s help.)
Tried to keep up with our grandsons’ sporting events and school activities as much as possible. It’s so fun seeing them interact with their friends, teachers, and coaches.
Read several impactful books this year. Shared about most of them in the Fast 5 newsletter.1 The most impactful book I read in 2024 would probably be Every Woman a Theologian by Phylicia Masonheimer.
Because my husband lives with an autoimmune disease, his health complications consistently impact our lives. The struggle is real and some days are hard. But God is greater than the struggle, praise His holy name.
We continued to navigate my sweet Mom’s symptoms of dementia. Those who’ve experienced this know it is not easy.
Read the Bible through from Genesis to Revelation for the 2nd year in a row! I’ve done Bible studies for many years, but I am loving this season of simply reading God’s word.
Observed our adult children make decisions this year to ensure the continued spiritual growth of their children (my grandsons). I think this may be what impacted me the most in 2024! 2
Pausing and Reflecting
Responding to the question, “What impacted me in 2024?” is a fantastic way to begin the process of pausing and reflecting over the past year.
This should not require reading a handbook or watching a 1-hour podcast. The process may move quickly for you. Or you may find yourself spending days (or weeks) pondering how 2024 went. But I promise the time spent will be worth it in the end.
But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands… Psalm 31.14-15
We find in Psalm 31 an encouraging reminder of God’s presence in our lives. You can trust that He has been and will be with you throughout the year and beyond.
As you pause and reflect, take a moment to read all of Psalm 31. I love the imagery that points to who God is. He is our refuge, deliver, rescue, fortress, lead, and guide. He is our Salvation. God is merciful to us, even in times of distress. His love is unfailing.
We can be exceedingly grateful for who He is, and that we have great HOPE for the year ahead!
Be strong and take heart, all you who HOPE in the Lord. Psalm 31.24
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So, friend, if you’ve not already done so, take time for pausing and reflecting. If you need a little prodding along the way, here are a few tips to get you started.
Give thanks for what the Lord did in 2024—for you and those you love.
If this has been a hard year for you (and I know it has for many), give God praise anyway. Praise Him for the gift of salvation, that He has kept you, and that you have HOPE for tomorrow!
And make that list of what impacted you the most in 2024! You may be surprised at what turns up on the list.
Wishing you the favor and blessings of God as you step into this new year, friend!
Here’s a special ‘free’ edition of the Fast 5 newsletter made available to all subscribers. Paid subscribers, you can share this ‘free’ edition with others.
What a beautiful thing it is to witness your adult children passing along the legacy of faith to their own children. I was especially impacted by pictures shared on social media of our kids participating in Christmas candlelight services at the churches they attend. (Gigi may have shared a tear at the sight of her young grandsons lifting a candle representing the Light of the World come to earth!)