January is the time we like to start over. Especially after surviving 2020, it’s only natural to want an Etch-A-Sketch-style redo. Just shake the world, erase the entire last year, and start fresh.
But we don’t really get to do that, no matter how great we are at keeping our New Year’s resolutions.
Because life builds upon itself.
Without your past, you wouldn’t be the great person you are today. If you erase it, you’ll erase a stepping stone towards the great person you’ll be in the future.
Yes, this last year was hard—fatally so for some—but God promises to work all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
That’s you.
My advice? Don’t throw out the good from 2020 as you begin 2021. And yes, there was good.
You grew. You stretched. You tried. You released. You forgave. You believed.
Last year took a lot from you. That’s true.
It also gave.
Gather up the blessings and lessons of 2020, hold them close, and step out into the good future God is working out for you.
This post originally appeared on @joyfullifemagazine! Follow them for daily devotionals and faith-filled inspiration.