It's here! It's upon us! The get-togethers have been taken part in, Christmas cookies have been devoured off their platters. Presents unwrapped, stockings un-hung. Times Square ball dropped and resolutions made. 2017 has been ushered in, bringing along a challenge to make the most of our time spent in yet another year on this earth.
What are your goals for this brand-spanking new year? I encourage you to think about this if you haven't already. Resolutions are so cliche, I know, but I think some type of reflection and recognition of where you want to be, who you want to be, could boast amazing results. I believe it really is just human nature to want to improve, to want to fix things. But, I see sometimes the flip side of this can be our desire for comfort and predictability in our daily routines. We may know that a habit needs to be changed, but, goodness, we have just grown so accustomed to living the way we do, it would take quite a bit of determination to follow through! Yep, I'm definitely talking to myself here. There are many things I know I want to do and change in 2017, but it's discouraging to see that many of the items on my resolution list this year also made appearances on last year's... and the year before that's. How do I avoid this depressing realization next New Year's Eve that I once again must include those ancient, never-attained resolutions on my list? l obviously haven't the faintest idea. That's why I want to approach this new year and those long-standing resolutions differently this year.
This new year, I am still holding on to those things I have seen I need improvement in. Because they keep coming to mind year after year, I can see that they are important. They're not some fad that I really have no desire to strive for in the next year. I believe they are things that God has placed on my heart that will help me become a healthier, more obedient servant for Him. Alone, I can only do so much to make sure those changes are being accomplished in my life. I can try my best to have self-discipline. I can remind myself constantly of my goals. But all of this soon grows tiring when I am depending solely on myself. I'm only human. However, when I surrender my agenda and let God do the work in me, I know that I am going to see real, lasting results. He sees the big picture of His plan for me - I mean, of course He would: He created the whole plan for my life! He is the strength I need. I want to make myself open to his corrections, open to His "weeding out" this year. Now, I'm not going to be kicking back watching TV all day, either. I'm not in the free and clear. "Here you go, Lord. Just call me when all these repairs are done. I'll be down at the beach." I anticipate work. The difference, though, is that this year the work I do, the habits I kick, will be His changes, on His time, in His ways.
As you look back over 2016 and anticipate the new places and experiences you'll find yourself in 2017, may you not be afraid to recognize the areas in which God can be more welcome in your life. May you not try to strap on resolution upon resolution to weigh yourself down, but may you lift them up, and work alongside, Him. Wishing you and yours a very joyous, God-filled new year!