Putting It All Away - Thoughts on New Year’s Eve

Written By Kimberly Sciscoe

I slumped in my chair feeling both relief and dread. Christmas was over! My over-achiever self immediately shifted gears to the next thing: “Dear mercy….now I’ve got to put all this stuff away!”

I was instantly overwhelmed by a feeling of heaviness, and paused to reflect on the reason. The day before I had been happy that Christmas was a beautiful day full of love, joy, Jesus, and gifts. There was harmony and peace, good food and games…a lot to be thankful for.

So what was this feeling? As I looked around at the decorations, ribbons, gifts, and crystal to put away, I said, “Lord, what am I feeling?…I know it would only take a few hours to tackle all this stuff.”

I immediately heard Him whisper in my spirit, “Kimberly, you are feeling the weight of the year. There are things I want you to put away that are far more important than Christmas bins.”

I sat in His presence as He named what He wanted me to put away:

 

Disappointment in myself

Disappointment in others

Hurt by betrayal in relationships

Weariness from the battle

Paralysis of analysis on different fronts

Fear of physical sickness slowing me down

Concern about enough face time with our children

Shame from unattained goals from 2025

 

Initially, I hesitated to go there. But I didn’t want to hold on to these things if Jesus was offering me freedom. Freedom from heaviness, and most importantly, a fresh, clean slate. I wanted to walk into the new year free. Unencumbered. Clear.

I began giving these things to God through prayer and honest conversation.

As I’ve been laying these things down the past few days, joy, purpose, and direction have taken their place. Gratitude has been a close companion, and I’ve been reminded afresh that “His mercies are new every morning.”

I don’t know what your list looks like, but I’m pretty sure you have one too. Our Jesus makes the greatest exchanges! So put it all away. Walk into 2026 free.

© 2025 Kimberly Sciscoe

Kimberly Sciscoe

Kimberly Sciscoe has always had an extraordinary love for people! Connecting them to Jesus is her life’s passion.

Kimberly was blessed to be born into a family with God as their center. As a young teenager, her passion for missions took her to Costa Rica and Panama. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Kimberly enjoyed teaching in both public and private sectors for ten years.

In her home church, Kimberly focused on outreach, discipling new converts, and teaching Bible studies at a state recovery center. As a single adult, Kimberly served as a missionary in Puerto Rico and Spain. On May 3, 1996, she married Jason Sciscoe, the love of her life, and has enjoyed being his earth partner ever since.

Jason and Kimberly have traveled the globe sharing Jesus with others. In 2004, they founded Triumph Ministries International Network. It gives Kimberly great joy to serve alongside her husband as co-pastor of The Church Triumphant in Houston, Texas. Kimberly’s hands and heart can be seen in leading Ladies Ministries, Outreach, and Discipleship efforts.

Combining her love for education, women, and children, Kimberly has worked with global partners in India, championing such causes as caring for orphans, educating women and girls, and empowering the underrepresented while spreading the love of Jesus.

Kimberly Sciscoe is the author of The Busy Woman’s Guide to Soul Winning: Connecting People to God Everywhere You Go. She is a motivational speaker and serves as a mentor to many. Her most treasured audience is her two children.

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Five Prayers to Pray at Christmastime - Part Two