Новые времена Go back to the homepage New Year's Eve is almost here – are you ready? As we await the start of a new calendar year, many of us usually want to look back and evaluate the past one. How has 2023 been for you? Was it a time of excitement, success and achievement, a difficult year full of challenges and adversity, or a combination of both? Over the years, I have had a habit of reflecting on the past year, noting the ups and downs, the joyful moments and times of sadness or discouragement. I believe it is a wholesome opportunity to smile again at happy events and accomplishments; to remember mistakes and learn from them; and to say goodbye to missed opportunities. Even when put in perspective, they can be an occasion to "rejoice always," as the apostle Paul urges us to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:16. Looking back on the past can be helpful, but dwelling on it too long can be destructive. As the apostle Paul wrote: «…I do not esteem myself to have attained; but only, forgetting the rear and reaching forward, striving toward the goal, toward the honor of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus» (Philippians 3:13-14). Paul had no remorselessness about his sad past, but he decided that the best way to serve the Lord was to remain visionary in both thought and mission. As we prepare for a new year, hoping for either a fresh start or a continuation of what has been working out well, let's take the wisdom offered in the Bible on how best to proceed. Plan with anticipation, but not with anxiety. When planning, we sometimes worry, "What if this happens?" or "What if that doesn't happen?" Such worry can lead to what some call "analysis paralysis." Jesus Christ urged His followers to trust in God's provision rather than wallowing in worry. "Therefore I say to you, do not be anxious for your soul what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor for your body what you shall put on. Is not the soul more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they? And which of you, being careful, can add to his stature even one cubit?" (Matthew 6:25-27). Plan by prioritizing the right things. The planning process often involves determining what is most important and accomplishing the best, putting everything else in proper perspective. As we trust God to take care of everything we need – people, resources, opportunities – it is important to put Him first in our thoughts, relying on Him to guide our steps and decision-making. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). "Commit your works to the Lord, and your enterprises will be accomplished" (Proverbs 16:3). Plan for the unexpected. The problem is that circumstances don't always coincide with what we have planned. Some doors of opportunity slam shut, others open unexpectedly. Trusting in the sovereign guidance of the Lord helps relieve the stress. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your mind. In all your ways recognize Him, and He will direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6). Plan in consultation with others. When we plan based on our own ideas and knowledge, we run the risk of overlooking flaws in our thinking or potential problems we may encounter. Trusted advisors can help refine our ideas as well as avoid serious errors in judgment. "Without counsel enterprises will be frustrated, but with many counselors they will come to pass" (Proverbs 15:22). © 2023. Robert J. Tamasi has written "Ambassadors of the Marketplace: CBMC's Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship"; "Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today's Workplace"; "Seeking Life with the Heart of a Shepherd," co-authored with Ken Johnson; and "The Heart of Mentoring," co-authored with David A. Stoddard. Bob's bi-weekly blog: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. Questions for reflection/discussion Have you taken time to reflect on the year that is almost over? What conclusions did you draw? What were the high points and failures for you? Do you tend to spend too much time looking back, especially on things you wish you had done differently? When do you start planning for the next calendar year? Is your planning thorough and extensive? Do you write down specific goals and objectives? Explain your answers. What role (if any) does your relationship with God play in developing plans for the future? Do you believe that faith and spirituality should play any role at all in the pragmatic planning process? Why yes or why no? Do you consider yourself an anxious person who feels anxious when looking into the unknown future? If so, how do you deal with it? What advice would you give to someone who often experiences fear or apprehension? NOTES. If you have a Bible and want to read more, consider the following passages: Psalm 37:3-7; Proverbs 11:14, 16:9, 19:20; Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 3:17,23-24. Difficult task Involving God in the planning process can seem like a daunting task, especially if you have not done it before. It might be helpful to consider Bible passages related to planning, leadership, and decision-making. It is also helpful to have one or more trusted friends who will reinforce and suggest important decisions in the plans you are making. A group of trusted advisors or young professionals who share your values can be especially helpful. If there are CBMC representatives in your area, they can help you join such a group.
