Both Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck found the blank page their most feared enemy. I suppose many people find facing a new year, as a blank book of pages before them equally as frightening.
While I heartily agree with Hemingway and Steinbeck from a writer’s point of view, I hold mixed feelings at best, standing on the threshold of a new year.
Conducting a rather fun poll, my queries of people both known and unknown to me yielded the same mixed feelings. After the dust settled, I find people fall into one of two camps when facing a new year as a book of blank pages.
new year, new opportunities
For many, new energy and excitement surround the blank pages of a new year. Presenting ample space, the blank slate of a new year offers endless possibilities with which to fill each page.
Similar to the maxim of “turning over a new leaf”, whereby we rid ourselves of the blotted mess of a well-worn page, stepping into the new year’s blank pages promises second chances.
Viewing a new year as a book of blank pages, for some invites excitement in new adventures, anticipation of new memories, and renewed energy for accomplishments yet ahead.
By far, more people fell into this group, completely energized by the blank canvas of 2023 before them, they felt their creativity and hope soar.
new year, same old song
Surprisingly, a number of people not only frowned at the thought of a new year, but saw the blank pages of 2023 as merely more of the same disappointments, unmet goals, and life’s monotonous drone.
Unlike Hemingway and Steinbeck, a new year’s book of blank pages brings no anxiety to this group; the blank pages elicit no emotion or inspiration whatsoever.
While most seemed negative, some radiated sheer exhaustion, while still others simply lacked inspiration. All bore a vision preferring a dismal backward glance to a hopeful forward gaze.
Though tossing last year’s calendar, they still carried all the misery, disappointment, failures, and flubs into the new year. Imprinting the freshness of a new start with the smudges of chapters long ended.
There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.
C.S. Lewis
holding a book of blank pages
Sitting with a book of blank pages, whether a new journal, day planner, or even a simple fresh steno pad, the pages demand to be filled.
Facing a new year as a book of blank pages sparks the same feelings. The days spread out before me, waiting to be filled. Make no mistake, the moments and days will fill, but with what?
Perhaps some exciting events await you in 2023, even as some unpleasant things linger in the shadows.
If, like the smaller group in my survey, you view the blank pages of a new year as “more of the same”, (disappointments, sorrows, and failures); try a novel approach.
Instead of basing the blank pages of 2023 on the morbid scenario of past years, why not view it from the perspective of 2023?
The new year has no knowledge of your past disappointments or failures, neither is it impressed with your successes. It bears no grudges or condemnation; it merely offers the fresh start with the potential of a life well lived.
This year I will be more thoughtful of my fellow man, exert more effort in each of my endeavors professionally as well as personally, take love wherever I find it, and offer it to everyone who will take it. In this coming year I will seek knowledge from those wiser than me and try to teach those who wish to learn from me. I love being alive and I will be the best man I possibly can –
Duane Allman, January 1, 1969, diary entry
new year, new mercies
My own mixed emotions as I face the blank pages of another year, prompt an even more novel idea.
Maybe my reticence at facing a new year, rests not with the blank pages before me, but with the hand holding the pen.
As with my writing, when I pin the outcome on my ability alone, anxiety becomes my companion. But when surrendered to God, desirous of speaking the words He gives, the blank page holds no fear.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
Lamentations 3:22-23
for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Remembering not only God’s unfailing love, and new mercies each day, but His enabling strength (Philippians 4:13) endows us with the courage to step boldly into a new year.
Reflecting upon His faithfulness in both the hard and joyous moments of the previous year, reminds us He will never leave or forsake us in the new year. (Hebrews 13:5)
Resting in the God of new beginnings, encourages us not only to face a new year of blank pages without fear, but helps us surrender the pen into His sovereign hands.
I love the thought of a new year with new mercies. You’re right about those blank pages; I never looked at it like that. Donna, this is a great article. So beautifully spoken.
Thank you for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month.
Paula, God is so good to offer us His new mercies with each day, and a new year is no different! I’m excited to see what God writes on YOUR blank pages this year my sweet friend!
I absolutely love this post, Donna. I suppose the way we view a new year is at least partially influenced by our personalities and what happened in the previous 12 months. I typically find myself excited about all those blank pages because they give me a fresh start and a chance to build upon the good of the previous year. But I love the perspective “new year, new mercies” offers for seasons of struggle, as well as for people who may fall into your second group of responders.
Thank you, Lois, for your kind encouragement! I do look forward to a new year of blank pages too, though at times I fear I will not allow God to keep the pen in His hand!! Which is why I love the thought of “new year, new mercies”, too!
I’m in the camp that sees the blank calendar as “endless possibilities, second chances, and the opportunity to be creative.” And “when surrendered to God, desirous of speaking the words He gives, the blank page holds no fear” because His perfect love drives out all fear. There is only peace in this place of secure trust in Him Who is Faithful to lead and guide us.
Lisa, it’s so much easier to see the new year as full of possibilities when you allow God to hold the pen! His love and goodness truly does drive out all fear.
Praising God who holds the pen on my blank pages! For only He can write my story.
A thought provoking post for the new year Donna, thank you.
I hope 2023 brings you many rich blessings & an answer to your prayers sweet friend, Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer, I am learning to trust God with the pen! Wishing you the richness of God’s blessings in 2023 too, my friend!
“Remembering not only God’s unfailing love, and new mercies each day, but His enabling strength (Philippians 4:13) endows us with the courage to step boldly into a new year.” Oh yes, Donna. Thank you for reminding us of this encouraging truth. Love and blessings to you!
Trudy, thank you my friend for your kind words! Rejoicing with you in God’s perfect truth and unfailing faithfulness leading us into a new year!
Happy New Year! I do like the sense of possibility that there is with the blank pages ahead. There’s also an anxiety about what they may be filled with that I don’t choose, but it is comforting to know that God knows what lies ahead.
Happy New Year Lesley! I agree, there is a comfort in the anticipation of a blank page before us, but as Hemingway & Steinbeck point out, there is equal anxiety that it may be filled with the undesirable. Praise God we can trust Him with the pen!
I have always relished starting a new month on the calendar, and filling in the blank squares. Sometimes it feels good to see so much white space in the month ahead, and other times it feels unsettling. And often the speed at which the spaces fill up is upsetting. But I like the thought of considering who holds the pen that will write things into the new pages. Very encouraging, because I know I can trust God to fill the pages and calendar squares with things that will be for my good.
Kym, I agree with you, at times I like seeing the blank squares fill up, as if that means I am going in the right direction! Yet at other times, I am happy to see some white space. Ultimately God is helping me rest in Him, rather than rushing ahead to fill the pages of 2023. I know what He has for me is always better than anything I can do on my own.
Donna, you worded it beautifully. As we surrender the year, day by day to the Lord, it will hold no fear. It may actually hold an anticipation or excitement for what is to come.
Thank you, Joanne, I am holding onto those thoughts for my own year. I believe entering the new year placing our hope and trust in God sets the tone for every subsequent day.
Donna, thank you for your need for encouragement. I love all your thoughts here and this is a wonderful way to look 2023. Thank goodness for God who holds the pen❤🙏
Thank you, Deborah for reading! I pray God’s guidance for you in 2023 leads you even closer to Him as He fills those blank pages!