Grandparent or not, on January 1, we reflect on the past year. We think about what
we did, and what we neglected; what we hoped for and what happened...or didn’t. We
look at who we were this time last year, who we are, and who we are
becoming.
In January, we have hope for a fresh start with a new year, and some determine (hope) the coming year will be
different. We make plans--goals or resolutions-to eat healthy, shed a few pounds, read the Bible
through, exercise more, develop relationships with friends and family, make
career goals, not repeat mistakes, watch our words, heal wounds, and/or expand our
minds and learn new things.
We enthusiastically think about
our resolutions, and in January, determine to keep every one of them. Unfortunately, by February, some of us belong to the “resolution
drop out club”. Perhaps our resolutions or goals were too ambitious or
unrealistic in terms of time, money, or other responsibilities. We may meet with an obstacle and forego
our plans. Although initially, an idea was appealing, as we work through our
plan, it doesn’t personally relate as we thought it would, so we put it aside.
Instead of a formal resolution with steps to achieve a goal,
some people choose a Bible verse or a quote to live by in the coming year.
Others choose a word to focus on and live out. If that is something that peaks your curiosity, click over to http://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/2017/12/my-one-word-for-2018.html#more and read my friend Edie Melson's word and her reasons for choosing it. You can also take DaySpring’s #LiveYourFaith quiz to help your find your 2018 Word of Truth - one word that will help you focus on what God is calling you to accomplish in the year ahead.
Others choose a word to focus on and live out. If that is something that peaks your curiosity, click over to http://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/2017/12/my-one-word-for-2018.html#more and read my friend Edie Melson's word and her reasons for choosing it. You can also take DaySpring’s #LiveYourFaith quiz to help your find your 2018 Word of Truth - one word that will help you focus on what God is calling you to accomplish in the year ahead.
Whether
you make resolutions, form goals, or choose a quote, verse, or word, at the heart of
each is the desire for a fresh start and an opportunity to change for the better.
A few weeks ago, a sign in a friend’s kitchen caught my eye. I think it's an encouragement whether you "drop out" or re-evaluate and change goals, or fall short of responding to your quote or word. You have the treasure of a fresh start every day. After all, it was just yesterday. Today is today.
How are
you approaching 2018? Please share in comments.
Marilyn, I love fresh starts, new beginnings and setting goals. But I also understand the feeling of failure if we don't accomplish what we set out to do. I'm so glad God wrote fresh starts into His story with love, grace and forgiveness. "His mercies are new every morning" (Lamentations 3:22-23). I love that everyday with Jesus is like a fresh, new beginning. Thank you for sharing this. A great challenge and sweet encouragement for all of us in 2018. ~Melanie
ReplyDeleteMelanie, Lam. 3:22-23 is the perfect closing thought to this post. Those verses have sustained me for six years. As an early riser, too, God's faithful appearance in a sunrise and the mercy of a new day, give me an opportunity to say a prayer of thanks each morning. So thankful for afresh start!
DeleteI've found it's the resolutions which DON'T happen on New Year's Day that usually last--the ones where we just know we have to change and decide to start right then. So I love your point about each day being new and fresh.
ReplyDeleteBTW - Still working on my one word for the year.
What would we ever do with fresh starts? Not only each day, but in decision outcomes and in new life seasons? Thank you for your comment. Let me know on your word. :)
DeleteI am hoping to follow God's lead more closely this year. I am unsure about what my "one word" is right now, but "trust" seems to be it. I want to trust Him completely and follow Him wherever He goes. Happy 2018, Marilyn!
ReplyDelete