Between Christmas and New Year: Reflection and Preparation
December 27, 2025 | Chaplain Dr. Kevin Lamb, Thomas County Sheriff's Office
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you perceive it?" - Isaiah 43:18-19
The presents are opened, the Christmas dinner dishes are washed, and we find ourselves in that unique space between Christmas and New Year’s, a time that’s a good time to both look back and plan ahead. For law enforcement families, these quieter days offer a precious opportunity for spiritual inventory and preparation.
The Gift of Reflection
Take time to look back on 2025. Not just at the statistics or the challenging calls, but at how God showed up in your year. Where did you see His hand of protection? Which difficult situations taught you something new about yourself or your faith?
I encourage you to ask yourself these questions:
Where did I grow this year? Maybe you learned patience in a difficult investigation or found courage in a dangerous situation.
What challenges refined my faith? Often our hardest moments become our strongest testimonies.
How did God use my badge for His purposes? Every life you touched, every person you helped—that was kingdom work.
Practicing Gratitude
Gratitude is a discipline, especially in law enforcement. When you see humanity's dark side daily, gratitude doesn't always come naturally. But it's essential for our spiritual health.
Start a "2025 Gratitude List":
Calls that ended well when they could have gone badly
Partners who had your back in dangerous moments
Community members who showed appreciation
Family members who supported you through tough times
Personal growth you experienced through challenges
Remember: Even difficult experiences can generate gratitude. That traumatic call that taught you compassion. The administrative frustration that taught you patience. The community criticism that deepened your reliance on God.
Spiritual Inventory Questions
Where is my relationship with God today compared to January 2025?
Am I reading Scripture regularly?
Is prayer a conversation or just crisis management?
Do I see my work as ministry or just a job?
How is my character developing?
Am I becoming more patient, kind, and self-controlled?
Do people see Christ in how I handle stress and conflict?
What areas need attention in 2026?
Setting Spiritual Goals for 2026
Make your goals specific and achievable:
Scripture Reading: "I will read one Psalm each shift" or "I will complete a Bible reading plan"
Prayer Life: "I will start each shift with prayer" or "I will pray for my community during patrol"
Character Development: "I will practice patience in traffic stops" or "I will show kindness in every interaction"
Family Faith: "We will pray together weekly" or "I will lead family devotions monthly"
Preparing for 2026's Challenges
2026 will bring new calls, new challenges, new opportunities to serve. Use these quiet days to:
Strengthen your spiritual foundation through prayer and Scripture
Identify support systems you'll need for the year ahead
Commit to growth in areas where 2025 stretched you
Looking Forward with Hope
God isn't finished with you yet. The same God who guided you through 2025's challenges is already preparing you for 2026's opportunities.
2026 is a blank page waiting for your faithful service to write its story.
Chaplain Dr. Kevin Lamb
Thomas County Sheriff's Office
Ready for a spiritual conversation about the year ahead? Contact me 229.200.3346 anytime.
