I often enjoy the time in-between Christmas and New Year – especially after the busyness of ministry in the lead up to Christmas. Yes, it’s a time to put the feet up a little, but it has always been a valuable refresh time for me – a time to look back and take stock. More than that, it’s a time to just notice where I am and the things I need to give attention to.
I don’t make resolutions, necessarily, but I do review things and see what needs resetting. For example, I’ve been rearranging my prayer list to cover 4 or 5 households from my congregation each day, a rotation of each of our villages each week, and other things like that. I’ve reset my 2026 bible reading chart. I don’t date this, or try any complicated plan, but I do try and read through the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice each year as a regular habit. Any more focussed bible study is in addition to this…I’m just talking about reading in chunks. As for reading…well, when the doctorate is over, that will reset itself…!
I’m getting prepared for the last push of my doctoral work on disciple-making movements in the Arran context. I have two seminars to teach soon, then a course to deliver within the lift of the church, a 6 week sermon series as part of my research, and then the big write up. I hope this will be complete during the first half of this year…all being well.
I’ve been reflecting on my time too, and just trying to make things more smooth. For example, my gym membership needs using, but I find it easier if I get organised to keep my gym stuff in the car, and that takes away the friction of having to leave a meeting to go home and get my stuff.
It’s not all work, though. We’re not just workers! I try and priorities my creative crafts: knitting, singing, and music through the brass band. These get me out of my head (and out of the church and into the community!). I always know I’m too busy if I don’t have time to pick up my knitting!
So, deep breath…lots of prayer – here comes 2026! How do you get ready for a new season?
Andrew S M Clark 