FAREWELL 2025

“Better is the end of a thing than its beginning,

and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”  Ecclesiastes 7:8

Another year has passed…and here we are.  Still standing. Still breathing. Still blessed.

A new year waits in front of us, but before we step forward, we pause, because this year had something to say.  It sits behind us now, but it shaped us. Pressed us. Refined us.

It taught us patience we didn’t ask for, strength we didn’t know we had, kindness that only grows after it’s been tested.

Sometimes I wonder, where would we be without those days? The ones that stretched us. The ones that slowed us down. The ones that made us wiser than we were before.

Every person the Father placed in our path was not by accident. Every relationship that walked through our door was for a reason. Some stayed. Some left. Some changed us forever.

So what do we say about this year? What did it say to us? What do our lives reveal now: Joy? Sorrow?  Gratitude?  Grief?  Because God didn’t waste a single day. Not one.

The Father created this year for all of us: the highs and the lows, the victories and the waiting. He carried us through the good, and He held us through the hard. Every day was a gift, pulling something out of my heart I didn’t even know was there.

I searched, and searched again for the treasure God had hidden for me. And when I found patience, when I found joy, when I found love still alive in me, I could only say, “Thank You, Jesus!”

Thank You for walking with me when I didn’t understand. Thank You for staying when I wanted to run. There were moments I’d rather forget, days I truly dreaded. Nights I prayed just to make it through.

But the Holy Spirit was there, guiding, comforting and feeding my soul with daily bread. Changing my heart, one moment at a time. I can’t thank Him enough because God made us for this time. The laughter. The tears. The faith that held us in between.

So don’t say the year is gone. Don’t believe it’s behind you. Because God left you a year’s worth of memories, lessons, and grace. They are still alive in your mind and still alive in your heart.

And if He carried you through that year, He’ll carry you into the next.

Lord, may you bless each one today with joy and peace and love.  I thank You for every blessing, but also for each tear.  I praise Your Name for each day You led us through, and for each tomorrow that You create.  Thank you for 2025, Lord!  I can’t wait to see what You’re going to do next! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.