Always waiting for tomorrow. Always waiting for the year to come around. Always waiting for the grass is greener. Always waiting for anything but now. –“Always Waiting”, Stellar Kart

Like the majority of the human populace, I was not happy with 2016. My brother and I actually stayed up to watch “the death of 2016” more so than the ushering in of 2017. I had become so disenchanted with 2016, that I began to implement changes and goals in my life before 2017 even arrived. As I plan, and I implement, and I begin to see some of the fruit from this “recovery year”, I begin to get excited for what 2018 has in store.

By the end of 2018, Lord willing and barring the unforeseen, I will be debt free–aside from student loans, which I no doubt will be paying on until the Lord returns. This will allow me to accomplish two goals in 2018: to travel to Canada and take up jujitsu. I had all my plans (as in rest-of-life plans) and agendas completely eradicated by the train-wreck of 2016, so the positive prospect of 2018, if I treat 2017 with caution and frugality, is revitalizing.

I have found myself, of late, in a general state of anticipation and dread for the present, like the song lyrics above I am “always waiting for anything but now.” Although it is true that I will have to be scrupulous this year and dole out most of my funds to eliminate almost all my debt, this does not mean I should act like 2017 will be a drag. It certainly cannot and ought not be any worse than 2016. I keep saying, “I’ll do this in 2018,” and “that will have to wait until 2018”. Acting as if this year is purgatory. This is its own independent year, separate from 2018, and, thank God, separate from 2016. It has its own opportunities; its own moments of sorrow and joy to be had. There are several things that I can do and look forward to in anticipation of my new life plans taking off in 2018.

For starters, I need to find people to surround me that are of like mind. I have high school friends that are good to hang with, but are certainly not good for deep conversation, counsel, or Christian edification. My friends which are good for that all live 586 miles away. Ergo, I need to seek out people to be an encouragement and keep me on track. That is something that should not wait, and gives me a productive challenge to strive for this year.

I do not often give the reader a direct challenge, but I would encourage everyone in this rebuilding year to look for what you can achieve now, while striving for and anticipating the future as we all recover from 2016.