How did this last year affect your soul?

The passing of a year beckons us to pause and reflect. As we glance back, do we notice places God was up to something? What do we hope and pray for the new year ahead?

Maybe last year was a rough season and we sense Jesus calling us to rest. Maybe we anticipate change and know He’s asking us to step out in faith. Or maybe we're unclear on what lies ahead.

As the holidays grow busy, we can feel pulled in many directions. Events, family, gifts, gatherings, and traditions vie for our attention. One way to breathe calm into our souls during a hectic season is to look for simple moments with Jesus.

Simple moments are just that -- simple. They don't require much time or preparation. They can happen almost anywhere.

Growing up, we had a Thanksgiving tradition. After the turkey and stuffing, the green bean casserole, and the sweet potatoes with gooey marshmallows were set steaming on the table, we’d find our seats and join hands. Right before the prayer, my dad would ask each of us to share one thing we were thankful for.

In fact, my dad was good at carrying this gratitude tradition into the year too.  It might be a random Wednesday in February with the seven of us kids seated at the breakfast table, and dad would pause to ask each of us to share something we were thankful for that day. Usually, it was a quick and easy answer. "Friends." "Family." "New shoes." But if it happened to be a sleepy morning or your brother had stolen your bathroom time, you might not feel very thankful.

I meet a lot of rule followers. And I want to hug them and reassure them they're amazing and endlessly loved by God, no matter what they do. Because that's what we all need. And because I know what a weary, guilt-ridden place rule following leads. Especially when you’ve been taught keeping the rules and obeying are what God expects.

Besides, I was a card-carrying member of the rule-follower club for a lot of years. So on a whim this week, I made a list of religious rules I’ve encountered – from places I’ve been or people who've shared their experiences with me…

My dad had this white coffee mug. I remember staring at it during breakfast when I was young.

On the front of the glossy white ceramic was a cartoon drawing of a plump elephant, lying on his tummy. On the elephant’s back, on his head, on his trunk, and around him stood colorful turkeys, who somehow managed to look clueless and pleased with themselves at the same time.

Underneath this silly scene was the advice,