I know it's the 5th day of the New Year, but I've been in a vacation state of mind since day one. Literally, I've been off work since January 1st, and IT'S BEEN WONDERFUL. I've talked with friends and read posts on Facebook that suggest others are just getting back to work this week as well. While I am talking about my job, I'm mostly talking about the things I've (we've) set out to do this year, day by day.
I've spent time in reflection to summon my best self; I've read /am reading some books that talk about the great migration of my ancestors (The Warmth of Other Suns); developing an intimate relationship with God (How To Pray), and breaking out of the ordinary and moving into believing God for the extraordinary (Break Out). I've written down some goals, which many believe is very important to the success of the goals. I would say I'm ready...
But, as I learned many years ago taking kids to Young Life camp to learn about Jesus, the readiness of "the mountain top experience" can be difficult to achieve once you're off the mountain. I often told kids that it was easy to sing songs about God and love God and experience God when everyone else around you was doing the same thing. It's difficult, to say the least, to experience God in those same ways when you're "in the world" (at school being bullied or pressured to take drugs and have sex, on a job with co-workers you barely know or like, in a family that constantly berates and belittles you, or just in a place of insecurity with sharing your faith). The real challenge is to do what you resolved to do the first of the year or maybe even a year or two ago when it's inconvenient, seemingly unrewarding and just undeniably no fun...to do them to the best of your ability... consistently and joyfully. For me, that means getting in my work outs and writing down what I'm eating (sparkpeople.com); working on my writing projects; continuing my community service; investing in my relationships and using it all to further God's kingdom.
Let your light shine...that's what I tell Grace, my soon to be 4 year old, when she goes to school. It's the same for me and you, and it takes real effort. The New Year doesn't just bring about those resolutions. It does, however, give us the chance, whether you make resolutions or not, to start anew on the journey of being our best selves. And that's a moment by moment process no matter what day you start.
What are the goals you want to accomplish this year?
Now scale that back and decide what you need to/can accomplish today...
Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Message)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.
EXPECTING MORE THAN I COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE!
The views, insights and opinions of a mom.wife.journalist.woman.sister.friend who enjoys sharing her thoughts and life... hoping to make her space in the world just a little bit better
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NYC trip with the girls!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
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