More From Valerie Clark

My family all have a good laugh when a year comes to an end and a new year awaits. This is because they know that I’m going to want to have a session where we all share what were the highlights and low points of the year that is ending and what our dreams and hopes are for the year ahead.

I always feel that it’s useful to wipe the slate clean from last year with its possible disappointments and setbacks and to begin afresh in the new year with goals and hopes. I like to set goals for myself and I enjoy the satisfaction I experience if I manage to achieve any of them.

I suppose what I’m trying to say is that it gives one purpose and hope to set goals and to work toward achieving them. It can be very easy to start the new year with a feeling of dismay: “Oh no, another whole year to get through!” But knowing God through Jesus Christ gives us a purpose and reason to live and face tomorrow.

Why not write down goals and ambitions for this year and look to see what new things you could put your hand to? This past year I tried “acrobranching” (climbing high in the trees on ropes, planks, etc.); I slept in a tent near Kruger National Park; I became president of a ladies’ church group; and I learned how to make little gift boxes out of old greetings cards and create ribbon-bows using a fork! Life is for living!