“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 New International Version (NIV)

January is a holiday hangover. This means no more office treats at the front desk, no more red and green garland around the doors, and you’d be lucky to find something chocolate with peppermint crumbled atop. January means the fun part of winter is over. The cold is here to stay and the real work begins.

This means getting up when you don’t want to, going to the gym when you feel too cold and tired. Staying at work until five, even though the sun has already set, and going to class, even though final exams feel a lifetime away. Your goal shouldn't be to survive the winter until the clocks fall back. Your goal should be to find what motivates you even when you are burned out. Find what motivates you and cling to it for dear life.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 New International Version (NIV)

God doesn’t get burned out. When you feel stressed, He isn’t stressed. When you are demotivated, look to Him and He will guide you. He will remind you why you are doing the things you do. January might be a holiday hangover, but you can replenish your thirsty soul with God. Pray, read the scriptures, listen to a sermon.

For most, New Year's resolutions only seem to last a week. When people still say "Happy New Year" and ask how your break was. The fresh start slowly dissipates and people return to their old ways. I like resolutions, but to prevent them from being faddish, I'm a strong proponent of waking up every morning and viewing the day as a fresh start. Every day is a mental reset because I wake up thanking God for another sunrise to see. I sit with my coffee, listen to the news, and prepare for the day to come with prayer and reading scripture. Like the wind burns out the candle's flame, so will the cold January winds burn us out as well. Don't pray for help in getting through the day. Ask what you can do in this day to do God's will.

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58 New International Version (NIV)