14th Jan - Before You Plan the Year, Think About the Life You’re Building

I read something this week that really made me stop and think.

It suggested that instead of spending so much time trying to perfect your résumé, you pause and think about your eulogy.

I know that sounds a little morbid, but it actually can be helpful. It makes you stop and think about what really matters.

Not in a depressing way - but in a reflective, perspective-shifting kind of way.

What would you hope it says about the way you lived? The way you loved? The way you showed up when it counted?

Around the same time, the women in my business group were talking about something similar.

We imagined it was December 31 - this year, and we were looking back over the last twelve months.

Not asking, “What did I get done? ”But, “What kind of year was this really?”

Would I be able to say it was a year I grew? A year I stayed soft hearted and faithful, even when things were hard? A year I showed up for the people who mattered most?

And then the question became simple, and a little confronting: If that’s what I want to be able to say… what do I do now?

You work backwards!

Not by trying to control every detail of the year - that never works anyway and just stresses everyone out - but by choosing how you want to live in the season you’re actually in.

This is why I love the idea of shorter planning windows. A 12-week block. One season at a time.

You do what you can do. You make thoughtful, prayerful plans. And you stay open - because life often requires adjusting where needed..

The bible says it this way....

“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps". - Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

We’re allowed to plan. We’re just not meant to carry the weight of directing and accomplishing everything ourselves.

Some doors open slowly - lets face it, it can feel like snails pace sometimes :) Some close without explanation, and some redirections don’t make sense until much later.

This doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

Often, it means God is redirecting - building depth in you and preparing you for something better than you could see at first.

“The steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord.” — Psalm 37:23 (NKJV)

So much of what truly matters in life isn't urgent - a meaningful life is rarely built through pressure. It’s built through faithfulness.

Through choosing what matters long term over what’s loud or flashy. Through showing up in small, consistent ways. Through trusting that God is at work, even when it may feel like nothing is happening or you've gone unnoticed.

Over time, those small, faithful choices add up to a life that may not be perfect - but it’s one you can genuinely feel good about.

This year doesn’t need to move at full speed.

It doesn’t even have to look impressive.

It can just be lived with intention and purpose - because that's how a meaningful life is actually built.

January Action Steps

• Take a few moments alone and imagine it’s December 31. What would you hope you could say about this year?

• Write one sentence you want this season to be known for.

• Choose one focus for the next 12 weeks - progress over pressure.

• Take one small step this week toward it.

• Stay open to adjusting along the way. You’re allowed to pivot as God leads.

Teach us to number our days,that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”- Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

“The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.”- Psalm 138:8 (ESV)

Prayer

Lord, please help me build a life that matters - not just a list of activty and seeking after accomplishments to add to my resume'. Give me wisdom as I make plans, and peace when things don’t unfold the way I planned. Please teach me to choose what truly matters, and to trust You with the rest. In Jesus' name Amen.