By Laura Lee Leathers

As I write, there are less than 50 days till the last day of 2024. Whew! But before you rush into the new year with your daily planner, pen, and stickers, let’s take a moment to look back over the past 12 months. Because this column is called Redefining Retirement, we will use words beginning with the letter “R” as we review the year.

Reflect

When we reach a particular stage in life, some of us can’t remember what we did yesterday, let alone 11 months ago. That is why it is good to keep a journal or a log. Now, let’s do a little memory exercise.

Write down five of your most memorable events for the year — for example, one of my items is my granddaughter’s wedding in April. Next, list five of your most significant challenges. Perhaps you or a family member have had a health crisis, the loss of a loved one, the transition to retirement, finances, or tough decisions.

How did you see God at work through the things you listed? What did you learn? How did He provide?

Rejoice

Scriptures tell us we are to rejoice always. Take a moment to read the book of Philippians and highlight the word. The book was written by Paul, who celebrated even while enduring great suffering. As you recap your year, ponder on the goodness of God in your life. 

No matter what you and I are going through, as Christ followers, the Lord promises He will never leave or forsake us. Rejoice! Furthermore, the scriptures do not promise smooth sailing. We are to be grateful for all things. Why? Because they grow our faith, trust, and obedience.  

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

– Philippians 3:14 NKJV

Restart

Paul looked back, but he didn’t stay there. We can’t change the past, but we can grow from our experiences, repent of our sins, rise above our failures, and celebrate our victories – all because of God’s grace.

Only God knows what each day will bring next year. But every morning, His mercies are new (Lamentations 3:23). He has a purpose for us to fulfill. Psalm 90:12 reminds us to live wisely because life is short.

Refresh

In Mark 6:30-34, Jesus told the disciples to go to a deserted place and rest alone. They needed a time of refreshment. Why? So they would be ready for additional ministry. We need to do the same.

During the last week of December, try to carve out a designated spot and time to pray, plan, and prepare for the days ahead. Grab that calendar or daily planner to mark those appointments, vacations, exercise, holidays, and celebrations. But also set aside time each quarter to be alone with the Lord. In the hustle and bustle of our to-do lists, we need time to pull away and be refreshed.

Renew

As I read articles about aging, the number one priority before exercise and healthy eating is to saturate your heart, soul, and mind with the Word. Do you have a reading plan? You can create your plan, use the chronological Bible, or use the M’Cheyne Reading Plan. I use The Five Day Bible Reading Plan (www.FiveDayBibleReading.com).

Years ago, based on a friend’s suggestion, I established a spiritual theme (read the article at https://justbetweenus.org/everyday-life/faith-for-the-new-year/making-new-spiritual-resolutions/). Doing this has proved to be beneficial in my spiritual growth.

Look back with gratitude and move forward, flourishing in faith. Happy New Year! 

Laura Leathers

Laura Lee Leathers is a writer and speaker. Imagine Lois Lane, over 65, living on a farm. Her metropolis is the area of freelance writing. Her primary love interest is the Word of God. She digs for information, interviews fascinating people, offers a cup of biblical hospitali-tea, encourages, and helps others with the how-to’s of life. Visit LauraLeeLeathers.com.