I know I'm late, but here are some things I've been thinking about
for this year. :)
1. Be all here- I
am always trying to plan two steps ahead. But I am realizing that most of the
soul-changing, heart-growing, hard-but-more-like-Jesus-making things in my life
have been completely unexpected. I will try to live fully each day and
trust Him with my future.
2. Persevere- I
defeat myself before I even start something by believing lies that I will never
be good enough. It is good to know my limits-I will probably never be Van Gogh,
Beethoven, or an exceptional athlete. But I will try. And I will keep
trying. I will not expect immediate perfection, but I will celebrate little
victories. Pounds lost, projects completed, notes read more easily. These
things are things to enjoy. And I will enjoy them.
3. Thankfulness-
Sunrises, the smell of coffee, my dog smiling, the way spinach wilts when I sauté
it, dried flowers, long hikes. Family, friends, church. The Word-How the God who created me reveals
himself to me. He wants me to know him and he knows me. My job-even when I want
to stay at home because I'm sick. Sickness-there is something for me to learn
even in this. Uncertainty-I run to the one who does know when I am
wondering. Loneliness- It is a season that will pass.
4. Love- I will
love others, no matter who they are, no matter if it is easy to get along with
them or not, no matter what we might disagree on. My irritation with someone usually reveals blemishes in my heart and my attitude. I will open my heart and let
people in. I will not try to remain aloof, unattached, be robotic and unfeeling,
to protect myself as I have in the past. Truth is-loving like Jesus requires
giving of yourself, it requires being open, it requires vulnerability. I will
not focus on only protecting myself. I will love like Jesus, love
unconditionally, and I will let Jesus protect my heart for me.
5. Humility- All
these things that I am working on- that Jesus is working in me- are not things
that I can achieve by myself. My Savior shapes me and molds me. I am his work
of art. He is teaching me to surrender my pride. I will always need help, from
others and from Him-especially when I don't want it the most.
These things are
good. They are exciting. Whatever happens in my life externally this year, I
know that internally, things are stirring and moving, and I am changing and
growing.
So with my eyes working to fix themselves on Jesus, and my heart
working to trust his goodness and faithfulness, and my mind ever seeking
to know Him more; I will walk forward into this year with hope.
