By: Jackie Warner
Giving honor to the Almighty and having a thankful heart for the blessings of this year feels especially meaningful as we prepare to close out another chapter. When I look back over the months behind us—the accomplishments, the wins, the losses, and even the moments that stretched us—I’m reminded that every experience carries a lesson. Every high and low has shaped us, strengthened us, and prepared us for what comes next.
Recently, I listened to a seasoned woman share her reflections on turning 60. She said something that struck me deeply: “I have more years behind me than in front of me, and I don’t want to have any regrets. I want to enjoy my time here. I don’t want to be here and not living.”
Her words settled in my spirit. They made me pause. They made me reflect. Because the truth is, I too have more years behind me than ahead. And while none of us knows the number of our days, we do know that time is precious—and how we use it matters.
I found myself asking: What regrets am I holding on to? What can I change? How can I show up better in the next chapters of my life—for myself, for the people I love, and for the purpose God has placed within me?
Scripture reminds us in Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” There is wisdom in reflection. Wisdom in acknowledging where we’ve been. Wisdom in choosing how we want to move forward.
As we celebrate this holiday season, I encourage you to lean into that same wisdom. Release the regrets that weigh you down. Replace them with joy, with forgiveness, with gratitude, and with hope. Let this be the season where you choose to live fully, love deeply, and walk boldly into the purpose God has designed for you.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:13–14, “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the mark…” This is our invitation—to press forward. To let go. To grow. To live.
As you gather with loved ones, as you reflect on the year behind you, and as you prepare your heart for the year ahead, may you find peace in your journey and courage for your next steps.
Wishing everyone a blessed and abundant season filled with love, kindness, and renewed purpose. Happy New Year!
By: Jackie Warner
Career Development Facilitator“Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters
