Thursday, January 2, 2014

A New Years Resolution

It seems that everyone waxes philosophical this time of year nostalgically recalling events of the year and past years and resolving to be better and do better in the months to come.  I am no different, but as I started reviewing my year and endeavoring to set a new goal for 2014, I couldn't come up with one thing. I am so blessed and content that I can't think of one thing within my power to change.

Note, I said within my power. My life is not perfect; however, I find contentment and happiness amid the imperfection. I have found in my experience that the more I resolve to do do better and be better, the more unhappy I become because I am incapable of the change that is required on my own. It is only through God's grace and wisdom that these changes can be made, and the more I try to make those changes in my own strength, the more dissatisfied and unhappy I become.

It is with that insight that I resolve to not make a resolution this year, but to endeavor to Love God and those around me more fully. My heart's desire is to spend less time being aggravated and frustrated and more time enjoying the quiet moments with loved ones that I'm given and often take for granted. I want to live life to the fullest instead of worrying about what might be. I want to notice the beauty around me in a sunrise, a fall day, and especially the laughs of my husband and children. Above all, I hope to follow Christ more closely and find that I am reflecting Him more and more each day. These are lofty goals, I know. It will take a lifetime to reach them, but a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, and I am stepping out today not by my strength, but His.