I’m Not Rushing Into the New Year...And Neither Should You

December 31, 2025...

 Scrolling on Threads, I see the same end of the year theme worded in various posts. There’s a buzz, a rush to make sure that everything must be perfect or almost near perfect in time for the new year. Laundry needs to be done, the house needs to be spotless, life needs to be organized with all your goals and resolutions written down by the deadline of January 1, 2026. 

 Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE a clean house and laundry being done. Having all that completed by the new year does make sense giving the feel of everything being fresh and new. I have goals that I want to make happen as well for 2026. 

 But I can’t help but ask this question as the end of a year made way for a new one...

 Does all this have to be done by January 1st? Will God still be pleased with me even if I haven’t done laundry?

 Truth be told, I’m still reeling from the Christmas rush of me and my husband having to travel to visit my family in California from South Florida for a week and returning back to work the Monday after. It took me 3-5 business days to unpack our suit cases while trying to adjust to the time zone difference which has completely thrown off our sleep pattern. Before we knew it, the New Year’s Eve buzz was upon me with messages screaming at us to “get ready” and “lock in” for the new year. 

 As of right now, it’s January 2nd. I’ve barely touched laundry and while the house doesn’t look completely like a war zone, it could use some straightening up. I know that I have things to do, fix, and take care of but I will not break myself and my sanity forcefully thinking that everything has to done all at once and right now. 

 I’ve noticed that underneath the frantic “end of year buzz” that’s been created, I’ve seen this exhaustion that everyone has been carrying. It goes beyond the fatigue you and I feel because of lack of sleep. It’s the exhaustion that felt on a soul level. Some are bold to admit it while some are quietly hiding it not knowing that it sticks out as a bright as the “check engine” light on a car’s dark dashboard. 

 2025 was an extremely difficult year for a lot of people. The constant anxiety, loss, and emotional whiplash that everyone, including me, experienced has been brutal. I know I’m still trying to catch my breath from it even with me entering into this new year. Dreams, goals, and hopes deferred for many has put a damper on hope. I see why we’re not boldly proclaiming that 2026 is our year like we did years past but cautiously entering into it hoping that it will be better than the last.

 I’m going to let you in on secret: I’m not rushing into this new year. Why? Because when I rush, mistakes are made especially when I’m exhausted. While business does need to handled, I’m discovering that the beginning of the year is chance to slow down and get clear about what’s to come for this season and the next. It’s a chance to connect with God and seek Him while setting a more solid, firmer foundation and ground work. Simply put, it’s a chance for me to REST. I like this because it goes against the world’s standard and deadline of December 31st for the previous year. Solid groundwork isn’t built overnight. 

 Can I tell you that it does not make you a bad person if you still reeling from 2025? You’re not going to go to hell if you don’t all your ducks in a row. God will not strike you down by lightning if you don’t your laundry done and dishes washed (but of course, please do them soon). There’s grace in this space of you easing into this new year. 

 I realize that this message won’t be for everyone. If you’re ready to go full steam ahead in 2026. Awesome. Knock it out of the park! However, if you’re like me, in this season trying to find the calm in the rush because you’re feeling a little behind and exhausted, this is for you. I’m not rushing into this new year. Why? Because God isn’t in a hurry and neither should you be.