Dear 2023,
I have to admit that I’m terrified that you’ve arrived. I’ve been nervously anticipating your arrival long before 2022 ended. I suppose that, in and of yourself, you aren’t scary at all. The real reason that I’m so afraid of you is because I fear that things won’t go according to plan…specifically, according to my plan.
2023, I realize that you may hold a million new opportunities. Oh, how I hope so. I could meet an amazing guy, fall in love, and get married. A huge book publisher could reach out to me and ask me to write a book. Podcasters, bloggers, authors, speakers, and other influential individuals from around the world could invite me to share my story for their audiences. I should be hopeful about your arrival, not scared. So why can’t I seem to shake this fear?
The Potential Disappointments
I guess I’m simply a glass-half-empty kind of person. Yes, I can clearly see how God worked in 2022. And I know that the opportunities that He provided were undeserved.
But I also experienced several unexpected disappointments last year. Things didn’t happen that—according to my life plan—were certainly supposed to happen. And I had to learn (and re-learn) that sometimes God says no and we can’t understand why but that His no’s are necessary for our growth and His glory.
2023, deep down, I fear that you will be full of disappointments—even the disappointments that are designed to teach me important lessons and redirect my focus to the kingdom of God.
What if I’m still completely and utterly single when you’re over? What if I haven’t signed a book contract for my second book? What if I haven’t been featured on any new blogs or in any new magazines or on any new podcasts? What if I still feel like I’m floundering—unsure if this is where I’m supposed to be and this is what I’m supposed to be doing with my life?
Okay, yes, I’m scared that I won’t get what I want this year. But maybe 2023 is the perfect time to change my perspective.
More Than Hopes and Fears
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11 NASB1995)
2023, I need to accept that you aren’t my make-or-break year. You’re simply another year—another opportunity to walk in the grace and glory of God instead of my own aspirations and achievements. This year isn’t about me; it’s about Him. And He doesn’t hold back on giving good things to His children who are walking in righteousness.
So 2023, even if you don’t supply everything that I’ve been dreaming about, I know that the best is yet to come.
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 