Series of moments. They make up our day, our years, our life. Not completely good or entirely bad – but a beautiful and challenging blend of both.

When you look back at 2025, you may be tempted to put a label on it.

How was 2025?

Maybe it was the “best year ever!”, an “amazing”, “life-changing” year. Perhaps you had a major joyful event, such as getting married, a successful career change/promotion, or giving birth to a new little one.

Or, for many of you, this year might’ve “sucked”, and even that word may feel too generous. Maybe you lost someone you loved, experienced crippling anxiety, relationship issues, financial struggles, infertility, frightening medical diagnoses, or any other number of unpleasant things.

Either way, with the new year upon us, it can give us a sense of hope and anticipation, as we either look forward to another great year or see it as a fresh start, putting the things of the past year behind us and praying this year will be better (it has to be, right?)

Mine Was…

Personally, if you asked me if this year was good or bad, I couldn’t tell you -honestly.

2025 was good.

It held a positive change for our immediate family. My husband got out of a work situation that had been physically and mentally draining the life out of him for so long.  We sold our house and moved to a place where life feels simpler and beautiful, where we have room to breathe, where my husband can heal and be himself again.

Then, 2025 was bad.

Just as we were settling into this change, our world was shaken, when we got news that a close loved one had cancer for a second-time. Fear of losing her set deeply into our hearts. Sadness and anger rushed in, and showed up in sporadic and unexpected waves. It was a battle our family faced together for several months. Thankfully, she made it through treatment and is doing really well. Yet, the worry never goes away, the fear of it returning again is daunting, and it remains an ever-present part of her story and ours.

2025 was also beautiful.

It held breath-taking sunsets and sunrises, nights full of countless stars, moments of calm by a flowing river, surrounded by junipers. We experienced sweet moments as a family, playing games, chilling in the pool, relaxing at the lake, laughing around the dinner table. My kids have grown in their faith and in their relationships with each other. One of my greatest joys is seeing their friendship continue to develop. Nothing beats the sound of them talking a laughing together.

2025 was challenging.

2025 stretched my faith in ways I wouldn’t have chosen. This year put me through emotions I didn’t want to face. It had me declaring, “God, I KNOW you’re good, but help me to believe it!” I continued to read my Bible daily, even on days I didn’t “feel” like it. I sang worship songs in church half-heartedly, knowing the truth they held, but struggling to get the words out. Music reminding me of God’s goodness during trial played in my ears as I went for long walks down country roads. My faith was tested more than it’s ever been.

Photo by NEOM on Unsplash faith and perseverance in difficulty

2025 was fruitful.

Bonds deepened, both within our family, and within our community. We were forced to rely on each other and on others around us. We took leaps of faith, not knowing how steady the landing would be. Love and support met us at every turn. We owe so much gratitude to our families, as well as our church community, who have been there every step of the way this year- to share in the joys, struggles, fears, tears, and laughter.

God is good, this year and always.

2025 was quite a year, that’s for sure; a good, bad, beautiful, challenging, fruitful year. I am ever grateful that at the center of it all- God’s goodness remained.

What was your year like? How did you see God’s goodness despite difficult situations?

As 2026 is kicking off, remember, whatever comes, you can lean into God’s love. Even when you have no idea how this can be part of his plan, you can trust him. Keep showing up, reading your Bible, and worshipping. Speak the truth until you believe it.