The Minstrel's Wife

I wonder why January is such a bad month for so many of us? I know most of us have nearly impoverished ourselves trying to make the perfect Christmas yet again. Maybe we spent another year without making the perfect feast, maybe it’s the darker days with nights still so long, maybe something more.

I know there won’t be all that many of us ending 2017 in a much better place financially or emotionally than we did the year before. How many grew as a person or as a parent? Did we learn from mistakes previously made and promised we wouldn’t do again? How much pressure do we put on ourselves in January to make a difference, losing weight, looking into expanding in our careers, being a better and more caring person, reading 20 chapters a day of the Bible, praying 3 hours a day?

This pressure on our self is so self destructive, and can leave us feeling a bit of a failure really. What for? Why do it? We have the whole year to make small changes to help our lives be more productive and satisfying. Slowly starting a new hobby. Losing those extra few pounds in a more sustainable and enjoyable way. Spending a few extra hours with the family and friends. Trying an extra few minutes a week, and building time up if we can, in reading the Word and taking some time with God. It shouldn’t be a burden. So, don’t make it one.

Enjoy January.