Positive mindset

Positive mindset:

While for many, as one year ends and another starts with parties, fun and festivities, for others it’s a quieter more challenging time. A lot of people use this time of year as a chance to take a break, re-group, and plan for the year to come. To spend time with loved ones and to remember those loved ones who cannot be there. Our mindset at this time can be so important for how we go into the next year and face whatever challenges are to come.

Are we thankful and grateful for the time we have with our loved ones? Do we appreciate their care and interest in us? Do we view the past year as a trial we’ve barely survived or a learning experience that will make us stronger in the future? Are we positive about the potential opportunities the coming year may bring, or already listing potential negatives? I guess the key question of all… is our festive glass of bubbly half-full or half-empty?!?

At Christmas many people remember Jesus, his birth and the message that surrounds it. Jesus’ life was to be full of challenges, some even harder than the ones some of us face. He knew from an early age what his role was, he even knew how he would die and that he was going to be treated badly. Jesus had to spend many months away from his family, from his mum who understood more than anyone the sacrifices he was making and how strong he needed to be. He would be tested to the limit and loose friends and family along the way.

Yet, remarkably, Jesus was always focused on the positive. What could be achieved, what was possible. He saw the good in people who we probably wouldn’t and forgave those who we might feel unable to. There’s so much we can learn from him.

So, going forward, what is our mindset this January and how are we going to stride into 2026?

Useful passage to look up: 1 Thessalonians ch5 vs 16-18

Image: Freepik