For a lot of folks, New Year’s Day is just another day on the calendar. There is no power or “magic” in it for them. And that’s okay.

For me, there is power in fresh starts and new beginnings.

I love mornings and the first day of the week and the first day of the month and New Year’s Day is one of my favorite days on the calendar.

For me there is something powerful and inspiring about it. I feel excited and motivated. But I admit, I’ve struggled the last few years.

For the last few years I have set no goals, made no resolutions, and faced the New Year with trepidation and even depression.

I’ve been a little “what’s-the-point?” about it all and I don’t know why.

But this year just feels different.

I feel realistically optimistic.

I know it won’t be an easy year. But when is life ever easy?

I know there will be things I will fail at. But if we always succeed we aren’t stretching ourselves.

I know there will be times I will feel unmotivated. But that’s what self-discipline is for.

There will be times I may quit. But that’s what mornings and Sundays and the first of the month help us do–begin again.

The New Year provides a culturally recognized boundary. That was then. This is now. That was the past. This is a new start and a chance for a new future. It’s the Fresh Start Effect and there is science to back it up.

So, for the first time in several years I am setting some goals and some resolutions and I am excited about that. I have chosen to keep them private. But I have set them and I am committed to them. And I am excited about putting in the work to see them done.

But at the top of my list of goals is this line from James 4:15…

If the Lord wills, I will live and do this or that…

I have agency, but I am not sovereign. And I am thankful for that. I believe in and belong to a good, gracious, kind, and sovereign God. I may plan my way but it is God who establishes my steps (Proverbs 16:9).

But while I am not sovereign, I am responsible. And as I celebrated my 55th birthday this month I was reminded again that there are far fewer days ahead of me than there are behind me. If I live to the Biblical age of 75, that’s only twenty more years and I am responsible for how I live them.

By God’s grace, I want to make them count. I want Him to be glorified. I want to be a blessing to others.

So for me there is power in the New Year and I am excited about and thankful for 2026.