As a parent, I appreciate new beginnings. Do you ever feel like you just need a clean slate, or a fresh perspective to start again?

There are things I look back on and know I should have done differently as a parent. Such as not telling my then two-year old daughter while she was in the middle of a theatrical outburst, “Is that the best you can do? I did better than that when I was a child.” Not good. My intention was to let her know that I wasn’t buying her dramatics as I’d been there and knew what she was doing. Instead, I fueled a challenge.  

So often in parenting, we have to change gears, redirect our course, or start again. What worked for a time, doesn’t work any more. New issues arise. As our children grow, we have to adjust our parenting to fit their maturing minds. Yes, parenting is always moving and changing.

But new beginnings are good! It’s one of the reasons I love the month of January. I love the chance to reassess and evaluate how something can be done differently. Rather than be discouraged of what isn’t working, I get energized coming up with Plan … Z. It gives me fresh perspective, a clean slate, and new information to work from.

New beginning aren’t limited to January, although our minds gravitate to beginning again with a new year. So what in our parenting, do we need to reassess? What method isn’t working and how can we do it differently.

Rather than continue as we have been, let’s take time to see where we need to make changes in our strategies. Who knows, you might even be keyed up starting with a clean slate. It may even provide the push needed to jump start the new year!

My New Years Day tradition is to wake up before my family does. Even though it makes for a shorter night, I have something I can’t wait to do.

With a silent house, I have my quiet time and journal about the past year — ups and downs, areas of growth and thankfulness, and times of difficulty I’m eager to wave goodbye. Then I sit in solitude and prayer, while I journal thoughts about the upcoming year. I focus on goals for myself, and as a wife and mother, changes I would like to make, or new ways of doing something. It’s such a great time of reflection for me.

About the time I finish, my family wakes up. I’m ready to begin a new year — refreshed, rejuvenated, and renewed.

New beginnings are wonderful. They are a fresh start, a chance to move beyond a past struggle, and a new sense of purpose and direction.

Take some time this week to reflect on last year. What transpired that you are thankful for? What difficulty did you overcome? What areas of growth did you see?

In looking at 2009, jot down some plans and goals for yourself. Not resolutions — those promises typically don’t stick. I’m referring to goals you list for yourself and your family that you wish to aim for, or perhaps a new perspective or method of doing things to strive for. Let it be your blueprint to work from this year.

So get busy, seek solitude, and journal. Happy New Beginnings!

“Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior — yes, the Messiah, the Lord — has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manager.”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others — the armies of heaven — praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:10-14)

What a startling event for the shepherds. One minute they are tending to their sheep, and the next, angels delivered incredible news. The response? Praise. Then action as the Shepherds left their flock to find Jesus.

Whatever this holiday season brings for you, Jesus is here and that alone is reason to celebrate. Rejoice! In the midst of the hurried flurry of to-do lists, take time this Christmas to find Jesus. Seek and Celebrate!