Looking Forward

A friend posted this on their Facebook page today:

“Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book.  Write a good one.” 

Signed 2014

I like that.  Tomorrow starts a new calendar year and for many of us we think of it as a fresh start; a chance to start over.  For many it was a tough year and I’ve heard many people (me included) say that they are looking forward to a new year.  It’s as if rolling the date is going to make a difference somehow.  Like writing 2014 instead of 2013 is somehow going to align the stars differently or change bad luck into good.

But this post reminds me that how we look at life, how we choose to make decisions and spend our time and focus our energies determines the quality of our life.  It’s not just a new year but each morning we awake to a new day; a gift from God.  How we choose to spend each day is up to us.  Make it a good one.

So along these lines, there are a few things I’m going to try to do differently.  These aren’t your typical New Year’s resolutions.  I stopped making resolutions a long time ago because I never kept them.  They just tended to make me feel bad; make me feel guilty; ashamed of my lack of self-discipline.  Rather, these are changes in attitudes and behaviors that I am going to try to emulate during the year.  These are things that Jesus did so well that people were drawn to him because they knew he loved them.  I want to be more like Jesus.  I know that I will sometimes fail because these things are really hard for me.  I am truly imperfect.  But , this is part of my journey and I think spiritual growth is all about trying and sometimes failing and sometimes succeeding. 

So here’s my list of things I’m going to try to do differently in 2014:  

1.  Instead of worrying, I’m really going to try to trust God and believe what I say I believe – that God is in control.

2. Instead of being judgmental, I’m going to try to genuinely love people because they are created in the image of God – everyone.

3.Instead of thinking that I’m in control and trying to figure things out on my own, I’m going to pray about everything - first.  I repeat:  instead of thinking that I’m in control and trying to figure things out on my own, I’m going to pray about everything – first.  Repeat… (well, you get it)

4. I’m going to observe the Sabbath.  I’m going to make self-care and rest a priority.  Jesus did.  God commanded it. 

5. I’m going to focus on relationships rather than work/stuff.  Jesus spent more time with people than he did anything else.  Plus, relationships feed me.

I think if I’m able to do these things better – even 50% of the time in 2014 then I did in 2013, then I will write a pretty good book in the coming year.  Please pray for me!

May the Lord richly bless you in the New Year.