Morning Mercies: Because Every Day Deserves a Fresh Start

When January arrived, I found myself in a bit of a predicament: everyone around me was talking and posting their new year's resolutions, while I was over here contemplating how long I could nap. I mean, I should’ve been feeling fired up and ready to conquer the year, right? I have a ton I want to accomplish, but instead, all I could think was, 'Do I have to be productive today?' The thought of diving straight into ambitious goals made me feel like I was trying to run a marathon with a bag of chips in hand.

While I’ve been reflecting on the beauty of each new day and the fresh start each morning brings, I’m also reminded that life isn’t always filled with fresh starts or easy beginnings. Recently, our church community experienced the loss of a dear member, and the weight of that grief has been heavy. But in the midst of sorrow, we are also reminded of the mercies that are new every morning—mercies that comfort, heal, and give us the strength to continue, even in times of pain. It’s in moments like these that we hold onto the truth that each day is a gift, and even in our deepest sorrow, God’s faithfulness remains steadfast. This may have been part of my “slow to start” January … but …not feeling ambitious or motivated at the start of the new year is more common than you might think, and it doesn’t mean you're behind or doing something wrong.

Everywhere you turn, there's someone talking about their big plans for the year: the ‘new year, new me’ mantra is in full force, and people are acting like they've just unlocked the secret to a perfect life. Meanwhile, I’m over here just trying to remember where I left my coffee. The pressure to hit the ground running and make huge strides in January can be intense. It’s like we’re all supposed to suddenly be our best, most productive selves, as if the calendar flipping over magically gives us superpowers. But let’s be real—sometimes, the most ambitious thing you can do is take a deep breath and give yourself permission to ease into the year.

Rest and recovery often get a bad rap. In a world that’s obsessed with constant productivity, slowing down can feel like a radical act. But here’s the truth: rest is a powerful tool that we often overlook. It's not a waste of time—it's a necessary step for long-term growth. Think of it like charging your phone: if you don’t plug in every now and then, you’ll run out of energy and can’t do much of anything. Taking time to rest isn’t about doing nothing; it’s about giving yourself the space to recharge so you can show up as your best self when the time is right. Plus, who doesn’t love a good nap?

So, here’s what I am doing.

Instead of diving headfirst into lofty resolutions that feel more like a marathon than a manageable task, I am focusing on building small, consistent habits. Goals can feel like a finish line we’re supposed to cross, but habits are more like little steps that gently lead us in the right direction. I don’t have to completely reinvent my life in one month. The beauty of habits is that they compound over time, and they don’t come with the pressure of 'success' or 'failure.' They’re just part of the process. And honestly, I think I’d rather be a champion of drinking tea every morning than trying to keep up with a 10-step skincare routine I’ll forget by February.

This year, I’m embracing consistency over perfection. Because let’s be real - perfection is exhausting, and honestly, it’s a bit overrated. I’ve spent too many years trying to meet some unattainable ideal, only to burn out halfway through the year, and never reach the ideal. This time, I’m focusing on being consistent, even if that means doing things imperfectly. Small, steady actions add up, and I’d rather be consistent than burnt out and overwhelmed by a never-ending pursuit of perfection.

I’ve decided to create a simple, low-key routine that feels manageable—nothing too overwhelming, just enough to keep me grounded. It’s all about taking things one step at a time, with plenty of room for flexibility. And, of course, our new puppy has definitely contributed to this shift in perspective. Instead of worrying about how much I should be doing, I now find myself prioritizing puppy snuggles, potty training, and figuring out the best way to navigate the chaos of ‘puppy life.’ (Hint: It’s mostly with beef jerky and patience.) My routine now includes daily walks with our new addition (he has finally accepted his leash - talk about exhausting) and moments of pure joy watching him discover the world around him. So yeah, my 'perfect' routine is a little more unpredictable for a minute, but it’s also a lot more fun.

I’ve come to realize that each day is a new opportunity, not just January 1st. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have to wait for the ‘perfect moment’ to begin again, but the truth is, every sunrise offers a chance to start fresh. Whether it’s letting go of yesterday’s mistakes, shifting your mindset, or simply giving yourself a little grace, each day gives us the chance to try again. I’m learning to embrace the beauty of those little, quiet resets—because sometimes, the most meaningful progress is made not in huge leaps, but in the daily decision to start anew, no matter where we’re at.

“His mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lam. 3:23b