Writing a blog post or something similar at the end of a year is a habit I’ve got into in the last few years. It helps me process what’s behind and dream about what’s ahead.

I feel like I say this every year, but this year has been a big one for our family with a lot of changes. Headlines of course are moving to the seaside and diving into the world of home education.

Absolutely nothing has gone as we thought it would. We have had to pivot, to lower and change expectations, to drastically adapt our lifestyle and to push back frequently against a system that seems catastrophically flawed.

I’m entering into 2025 pretty beaten up if I’m honest. It’s been a tough one where my limits, my abilities and my character have felt continually tested. There’s no doubt that I’ve surprised myself in areas, but in others I’ve felt like I’ve failed.

It’s been a year of feeling pretty out of control. I know and trust that God is a good God who loves us and has it all in hand, but that hasn’t stopped me from screaming into the abyss “what are you doing??”

I’m ready to head into a new year with a new perspective and a renewed purpose. I’ve seen what we’re capable of when the rug is pulled out from underneath us and I’ve seen the faithfulness of God again and again through it all.

Instead of writing a list of new year’s resolutions, I’ve decided to assign the word “intentional” to the year. Instead of letting life just happen, I want to try to be intentional in all I do, as much as I can. That encompasses everything from spending time with God, choosing what food I eat, time with the kids and our finances. I’m obviously hoping this intentionality will lead to positive results but I’m trying to avoid that being my goal. It is the intentionality and mindset that I want to work on.

How has this year been for you? Do you have a word you would choose for the next year?

Wishing you many blessings and much joy in 2025.