2025: Embrace the moments, shape the year

The beginning of the New Year is an opportune time to pause and express gratitude to the Almighty God for His countless blessings and graces. It is also a time to cherish and appreciate the gift of one another. Charles Dickens once wrote, “Reflect upon your present blessings—of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” This wisdom invites us to focus on the positives in our lives rather than dwell on the negatives.

Every year is like embroidery, woven with stories of success and setbacks. While some may subjectively label a year as “good” or “bad”, I assume the reality is far more nuanced. Should we, therefore, classify years as inherently good or bad? Perhaps not. Instead, we might consider that every year offers us opportunities and lessons. The Bible reminds us of our vocation to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour (cf. Isaiah 61:2). A “favourable year” hinges on divine grace and our efforts and decisions. It is not just about what happens to us in the year but how we make things happen within our capabilities. Therefore, every year brims with possibilities, and our responsibility is to seize them.

Rather than fixating on the broader narrative of a year, we should direct our energy toward the moments that make up each day. The anticipation of a new year often fills us with excitement and hope. However, in our eagerness for a fresh start, we sometimes overlook the continuity between the outgoing year and the incoming one. There are instances where some people qualify the outgoing year as “terrible” or describe it in a language that depicts the severance of any ties whatsoever. We often forget that each new year builds upon the foundations laid by the previous one. Even in a year filled with challenges, insights and growth can be gleaned.

It is fascinating to watch how the fervour of these first moments in the year is greeted with intense prayers, resounding songs, nice meals, popping champagne, beautiful attire and warm exchange of greetings. This is often preceded by expressions such as “I want the New Year to find me in the Church”, “I want to pray into the New Year”, “I want to be better in the New Year” etc.

Then, for some, it is about the litany of resolutions and wishes for the year. These are lofty desires, but as we get into the business of the year, this enthusiasm often wanes as the days roll on. The one who was at the Church or place of worship on the first of January is suddenly nowhere to be found. The Yoruba word for this set of people is “Bodunde” (the one who appears only on festive occasions). Those who put up this attitude assume that a singular gesture of devotion suffices for the entire year. They are oblivious to the fact that what defines a year is not just its grand moments but the consistent choices we make daily, hourly, and moment-by-moment.

In addition, every decision we make can shape our lives. Choices about our health, relationships, finances, faith, and even how we spend our time can have lasting impacts. As the Year 2025 unfolds, let us view it as a blank cheque waiting to be filled. What will you write on it? Will you aim for monumental achievements or settle for mediocrity or failure? The answer lies mainly in your commitment, discipline, and understanding of your goals. Just as a cheque requires clarity and purpose to realise its value, so does each moment of our lives. Without direction, even the most promising opportunities can be squandered. On the other hand, with focus and determination, we can transform simple resolutions into meaningful realities.

As you set your goals for 2025, consider making them SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. Time is the thread that ties all these elements together. It is about achieving goals within a year and making every moment count. Time is precious, and its judicious use can turn aspirations into accomplishments.

Let us resolve to make each moment in 2025 and beyond genuinely count. Make your resolutions, but do not let them remain vague aspirations. Break them into actionable steps and integrate them into your daily life. Remember, the moments we cherish and utilise effectively are the building blocks of a fulfilling year. In the beautiful words of Edmond Mbiaka, “Making each day count like it is your last day to fulfil your dreams is unarguably the master key to a future full of great rewards.”

I wish you a blessed, fulfilling, and rewarding 2025.

Rev. Fr. Ambrose K. Dada
[email protected]