Well it's 2017, That means resolutions. Giving up soda, losing weight, less junk food.... Yeah, nope never works out. I end up cheating two weeks into it. A year ago around this time, I had a conversation with a friend of mine in which she agreed she never did well with resolutions either. She told me for the past few years she's come up with a word or two, of which she wants to work on the next year. She gave me examples of some that she's done over the last couple of years.
So that's what I did, last year I thought about it for a week or two and came up with three things:
1. Choose Joy
2. Be Brave
3. Pray More
Wow, I didn't know how much I would've need that very quickly. Choosing joy is something I needed to work on. Choosing joy doesn't mean you're happy. I can have joy in bad times, Knowing God is watching over me, I have a family who loves me, and friends who care for me. Those are things to be joyful about! Being brave is something I could still work on, which is why I'm tying it into this year as well. I let a situation go on way to long, because I wasn't brave enough to finish it. And well, praying more is something that I could always work on.
This year after thinking for awhile, thinking about last year and how I did on those words, and things I need to work on, or be reminded of this year... So my words for 2017 are
1. Appointed
2. Set apart
3. Courage
As John 15:16 says, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit." I needed to be reminded that I have been appointed, designed and created for something much bigger than I am, before I was even conceived.
I have been set apart for the task and calling God has placed on my life, and I should every day, exemplifying Him in my words and actions. Set apart to share his word and show love to this broken and dark world.
Courage to make the decisions in 2017 with utmost courage and bravery. Whatever that this year holds, that I would be armed through God and take full charge whatever comes my way. and be courages to let go of toxic things, even if that means people.
So maybe you aren't good with resolutions, pick some words you need to work on or be reminded of this year! It can be really good, and is a really healthy thing. We all are changing people, and we need to leave room for self improvement. I hope that your 2017 is filled with joy, answered prayers, and love.
-Seth
