This year has been a difficult one, even devastating for some. I know I’m not alone in looking forward to a fresh start as we flip over the calendar.
But before we head into a new year, we still have a few days left in this one – and I’m determined to make the best of them. Rather than simply throwing up our hands or hanging our heads, let’s take back what’s remaining of this challenging year. Let’s celebrate what actually worked or went well, and let’s give thanks for the blessings we received in the midst of hardships.
No matter how this year has treated us, I believe we can still end well. Here’s how:
1. Make a gratitude list. I know, I know, you’ve heard this one a thousand times. But there’s a reason for that: it works! No matter how bad a situation (or calendar year) might be, we always have something to be thankful for.
Are you healthy? Do you have a place to live? Is your family nearby – or far away? Do you have at least one person to love and who loves you? Did you read a good book or see a great movie? Have you created a piece of art or finished a project? Did you make it through Thanksgiving or the semester or a trip to the post office without losing your mind? Then you have something to be thankful for!
2. Look at the photographic evidence. Instead of clicking over to Facebook one more time, open up the gallery on your phone. Scroll through your own photos and take time to appreciate those goofy smiles, those messy faces, the trips to the zoo or the doctor’s office, the impromptu road trips or picnics, the selfies and the you-can’t-make-me-smile serious faces. Remember the sunset, the finish line, the delicious dessert, the colorful leaves.
Whether you’ve already printed all your photos and placed them in a lovely album or scrapbook, or they’re stacked up on your phone (and hopefully saved in the cloud), I bet you have some evidence that this year brought something lovely, something beautiful, something good.
3. Find the silver linings. I’m not sitting at a desk gazing out the window to a pastoral scene as I type this post. Nope. I’m sitting in my living room, balancing my laptop on a TV tray while my youngest sits on my lap smelling slightly of syrup from last night’s breakfast-for-dinner and watching Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. And as often happens in our house, Daniel Tiger is sharing a message that is almost unnervingly relevant for our day. Daniel and his friends are singing about disappointment, and here’s the advice they have for us all: “When something seems bad, turn it around and find something good.”
Seriously, Daniel Tiger? Seriously.
You really can’t argue with that preschool wisdom. And as I’ve reflected on the last year, it really is something I’ve considered. What are the silver linings hiding on the edges of this hard season?
Going through a tough season can be a catalyst for appreciation and gratitude — and this year has made me more thankful than ever for my family, my freedoms, and my faith. Silver linings come at the cost of some very dark clouds, but I am grateful for them nonetheless.
4. Give back – and then some. One of the most encouraging messages I’ve seen following some of this year’s disasters and painful circumstances is a call to action. No matter where you fall on all the issues that have divided our world, every one of us can reach out to others, serve others, love others. Just like the well-known and oft-quoted advice from Gandhi suggests, rather than complaining about a dumpster fire of a season, be the change you wish to see in the world instead.
The benefit goes beyond what you give to other people, too, because not only does helping those in need combat injustices you perceive, it also helps you adjust your perspective. It gives you a bigger picture and more accurate way to gauge your own circumstances. It also gives you a sense of more control and therefore increases your overall satisfaction. Talk about win-win!
5. Don’t wait for January 1. We don’t have to start a new habit on a Monday, and we don’t have to wait for January 1 to turn over a new leaf of gratitude, compassion, and positivity. We can do that today. The world may seem like it’s spinning off its axis some days, but we are still in control of our own choices. We get to decide how we receive news, how we process situations, how we respond to circumstances. We get to choose.
Let’s make the best of the days we have, friends, no matter what the calendar says. Let’s be kind when we don’t have to, let’s be thankful even when it’s difficult, let’s look for the good and be the good. Let’s end this year well.
Leave a Comment
Michele Morin says
I love this challenge, Mary, to make the most of the days ahead — not to slide aimlessly toward the finish line and hope for better things on a new calendar. May your 2018 begin with a full gratitude list, and may you find many opportunities to hold your sweet-smelling littles before this year comes to a close.
Michelle Rabon says
Mary, I love this! Some practical ways that we can all end the year well.
Merry Christmas!
Michelle
Angela says
Thank you! I am going to challenge myself to end each day well. As, I type these words I have already faced two minor challenges this morning(it’s only 6:30). However, I am determined to move forward with a new resolve. Today is the best day of my life!!!
Merry Christmas and many blessings to you and your family.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Mary,
So true that no matter how sideways a day, a week, a season, or a year goes, there is always something to be grateful for. Gratitude and hurt or pain can coexist….it’s not an either or. Often holidays are a mix of both. There may be pain and hurt, but there is always the promise that Christ is with us – Emanuel. No matter what we’re going through we don’t go through it alone. Keeping my eyes firmly fixed on Jesus and then looking outward as to how I can help someone else, help me combat any disappointments that are there. It truly is a balancing act at times. Praising God for all that I am thankful for and for His grace and mercy that are sufficient to get me through what isn’t picture perfect. Great post!
Christmas blessings Mary,
Bev xx
Joan Moore says
Wise words to live by. In ALL things give Thanks!!! Thank you for such encouraging words.
Lara says
What a great post, Mary!! I’m creating my gratitude list today. Here’s to finishing well! Praise God from whom all Blessings flow! <
In Him,
Lara
Stacey Pardoe says
Mary, I was blessed by your words today! In the aftermath of a year that was filled with highs and lows, I took your advice and reviewed the year in photos. The photos were a reminder that God was in it all, using it all, and painting silver linings in even the darkest storm clouds!
Pearl Allard says
Mary, thank you for your encouragement to focus on what went well and celebrate the photographic evidence. I abandoned scrapbooking when my kids were born and have experimented through the years to find what works for us now. Now our tradition is I handpick photos from throughout the year – which I love doing – and my husband compiles them into a slideshow. Some years it’s really basic, other years include video clips, etc. The kids love watching past years and the grandparents love receiving a copy as a gift. It’s a lot of “wins” rolled into one. Thank you for confirmation that it’s a good tradition to keep. May you be blessed now and in the new year!
Penny says
Mary,
I really appreciate your encouraging words this morning……. thank-you so much.
Blessings to all,
Penny
Cindi says
I have many friends that need this message right now. They’ve experienced serious life changes and have said they’re not in the holiday spirit.
Heidi Roesli says
Wow! You spoke to my heart this morning! Thank you for your great words, wisdom and inspiration!
Brenda says
♥ ♥ ♥
Rebecca L Jones says
I always try to pray in the New Year, this year I’d like to sing it in even if I’m alone, instead of being on my knees, I want to raise my hands in praise and magnify Him instead of a ll the things gone wrong this year. There has been a lot gone right, it is just His timing but worth the wait. Merry Christmas!
Adria Wilkins says
Mary, I love this and have shared it with many people. I even posted it to my Facebook today and shared it with our MOPS FB group. Thank you for a practical way to end the year well.
Adria Wilkins says
Mary, I love this and have shared it with many people. I even posted it to my Facebook today and shared it with our MOPS FB group. Thank you for a practical way to end the year well.
Susan Shipe says
Good tips and a great list! Have a blessed Christmas, Mary.
Catherine Morgan says
Seriously, Daniel Tiger?? Haha! Great encouragement, not just for 2017, but for life, to finish well, choose how you will spend your days. Thanks for the kind reminder!
Beth Williams says
Mary,
Great advice. Often times when I get down & feel some depressed I use my go to Gratitude list. I write out ALL the things God has given me-big or small. My latest list has 234 items on it. Just added a few more. It helps me realize how blessed I am compared to many in this world & turn my frowns upside down. I love giving back/helping others. Constantly look for ways to assist or encourage others. This year I brought toys for a toy drive in our area. I heard about an angel tree for elderly people. I decided to check it out & pick someone. I chose a lady who just wanted some new pant suits. I was able to get her two nice outfits. It blessed my heart. Wish I could see her open the gifts. Saturday our church will be making desserts for a “feed the multitude” feeding program. I will take my brownies & go help serve. Tomorrow our church will go caroling to nursing homes. So easy to make someone smile & brighten their other wise dreary days.
Have a merry Christmas & a great 2018!
Blessings 🙂