Let's be honest: New Year's Resolutions sound great, but they tend to get old as the year goes on. There's only so much you can do to change into a "better you," especially in the course of 12 months (or less). This is fairly common: a lot of people declare that a New Year will result in a "New Me."
I don't buy it.
Instead of working to change everything that you don't like about yourself or your life, why not celebrate the progress you've made instead? Think about it: over the course of 2016, you changed into a different person. Sure, most of who you are may still be the same, but there are some things that are not. You may have started eating healthier or working out more. You may have cut drama out of your life. You may have become more patient and compassionate with people. Your experiences have shaped you, just as the decisions you make have shaped your experiences.
Every day, our progress is determined by all of the decisions that we make. We may not understand their significance at the time because we're so used to making these routine decisions. But they add up, ever so quickly. Of course, we don't always make the best decisions. Sometimes, we feel like we're failing at life. But with every day comes a new beginning. Every decision that you make could be a fresh start.
We can't do this on our own. We need to look to our Heavenly Father for wisdom. We need to pray and get to know God for who He is. Then, it will be easier to hear His voice in the moments of decision-making. I truly believe that He will direct us if we ask and if we listen to His still, quiet voice. It may not come as a burning bush, but it will come.
So instead of making a list of ten things I'm going to change in the course of the next two weeks, I'm going to reflect. I've grown as a person, and I'm proud of all of the changes that took place in my life and in my very person this year. This reflection will be led by prayer as I thank God for all He has done in 2016 and all He is going to do in 2017. Finally, I will look forward to the future with hope and peace. As Proverbs 31:25 says:
"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."
