Hey, 2019.

When going through a journal I kept throughout this past year, I realized that 2018 was a year of so much (seemingly undeserved) growth. God spoke to me in songs and poems and the most unexpected people. I found Him on the subway and the park bench and in my classrooms. 2018 was good, good, good for this soul of mine. But it was also so dang hard. 

You know, before I wrote this blog post, I had an entire 700-word article eloquently typed up to justify and rationalize some criticism I got and how I was “bigger than that.” After taking a little break from that article, and writing in general, God reminded me that I didn’t have to be bigger than or better than or even stronger than the battle before me. In that case, it was some dumb, off-handed comment that I took to heart. In the softest, sweetest, Godliest way possible, and through an email from a sweet friend with the kindest words, I was reminded that God hasn’t left me for dust in 2018 (or better yet...ever)—so why would He let me out of His sight now?

Now, this blog is not one about resolutions or intentions or goals for this new year. If that’s what you’re looking for, sorry!! But these words are to the gals and guys who set unattainable, unruly goals and standards for themselves every dang day. Let me speak some wisdom to y’all that I have written in every journal, on every whiteboard, and all over the note section of my phone. This new year you are not required to fix what the world is telling you to fix. You are not required to reach new heights that are far too high and will cause an abundance of stress. You, my dear, sweet friend, are most certainly not required to pick out the parts of you that you will vow to change this new year. Surely, that may be healthy for some, but hear this loud and clear: entering a new year with a surplus of grace and patience for your very own heart is far more valuable than any resolution you could every fathom. 

May this year be a year of growth—and within that growth, peace. May that sweet heart of yours rest in knowing that you don’t have to carry the burdens of 2018 with you into this new year. I never grew up singing hymns in my church, but after going to college I suddenly found peace in the steady rhythm of grace they flooded my heart with. My favorite hymn and some truth that I’m shouting into this new year says:

“Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blessed assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.”

Can I get an amen for those words? God is good through trials and heartbreak and loss and grief. God is good through new life and joy and achievements and success. God was good in 2018, and that will not change in 2019. Thank God for grace and patience that doesn’t wear off despite change. Hey 2019, I’m ready for ya.

words by Maddie Watson and photo by Sarah Mohan