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Week 20

 

Week 20 — New Year, Same You (and That’s Okay)


The saying “New Year, New You” is common right after the start of a new year. People often feel like they need a do-over from the previous year—whether that means a new look, healthier habits, or finally making time for themselves. We search for answers and solutions, hoping to make this year the best one yet.


But what if, instead of running away from who we are, we embraced ourselves exactly as we are?


As I was reflecting on this last night, I realized that the best thing we can be is confident in who we are. We are made in the image of God, and He has used every trial and circumstance in our lives for our good. We are learning how to live this life one step at a time, and we are exactly where we are meant to be right now.


The focus shouldn’t be on comparing ourselves to others, but on appreciating who God intentionally designed us to be. Yes, we’ve messed up. Yes, we may wish some things were different. But what if I told you that God will never love you more than He already does?


He loves you in spite of your sins. He wouldn’t love you more if you won a gold medal in the Olympics. His love isn’t earned—it already exists in full. We were perfectly formed and carefully orchestrated from the moment we were in our mother’s womb.


Take it all in—the good, the bad, and everything in between—and embrace the person God created you to be. There is something freeing about believing that we are content in who we are at this very moment. We don’t need to do better or be better to earn God’s love.


Yesterday, I began the tedious mental task of preparing to return to work after some time off. It was brutal—but today, I’m ready to take the plunge. And to anyone else questioning the return after vacation: take the plunge. Get out there. Make the world a better place—because you are exactly who you were meant to be.


May 2026 be the year you embrace the you that already exists—flaws and all—and thank God each day for the gift of life.

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