My thoughts on January

     Christmas is behind us, the decor, the colors, the festivities and now...looking forward. I almost can't hardly stand it. Spilling over with excitement, I just love the renewed energy that comes  when you begin again with a fresh clean slate. With each rotation in season I claim..."this is my favorite season!" I do it with them all! Except for maybe dead of summer. Because they each have their uniqueness that gets me inspired. If you are like me, there are aspects of me that tend to flow with the seasons and weather, my favorite colors, how I decorate my home, items I purchase, food I cook, my mood (not always a good thing) etc. But truly I must admit, January is NOT REALLY my favorite season because of the cold, it keeps me cooped up inside but what I do love that it lovingly forces me to slow down and recognize the notation that all the heroic efforts of last year have drawn to an end. Now it's time to calmly enjoy the fruits of last year and simply rest in that. Not a stop to the duties of life, your husband and children, but a rest of the mind. An intentional rest that says I choose to live by God's grace rather than trying to hurriedly begin business of life again. In our business, this is our slowest season but I love it because it allows me to rest. And when I fully rest, it allows me to be creative. Like the person I really want to be. Then, amidst the restful creativity inspires truly great thoughts and inspiration and a renewed energy that has to last me all year. I get inspired to set my goals and make a plan to follow though. This is one of my most productive seasons because it's when I get to spend time on that which is most important to me. My husband and family and treating myself to rest so that I can be productive in the new year. So this season could not come at a better time, choose to take full advantage and rest...knowing that you don't have to carry the world on your shoulders all year because He who began a good work in you will carry it out to completion. As you get excited about looking forward to new adventures, start this year off fresh by choosing to rest in the grace that God allows for those who love him and he will provide an ending source of joy, peace and rest that will overflow into all the lives of others you touch.