I rebelled against the entire idea of New Year's resolutions. From years past, we know the ONLY thing I'll be able to do without a doubt is FAIL.
Even if I succeeded 3 or 12 or 30 or 62 days in a row, one day I'll eventually stumble or fall or crash.
All week I have sat quietly ... passive and purposefully non-pensive...while January 1st, 2nd, and 3rd have slipped into history.
With caution, I have considered all the possible areas for resolute improvement. The volume of opportunity staggers the imagination.
I could...
definitely pray more
or
Read the One Year Bible
or
do Made to Crave: 30 days of Devotions to help you crave God more than food.
or
focus on a Money Makeover: establishing peace by avoiding debt
or
participate in Love Dare: 40 days of intentional living to strengthen intimacy with your spouse
or
start the 21 Day Cleanse: three weeks of detoxification to jump start weight loss and cleanse your body or
implement 365 Days of Manners: Fun ways to help Children Learn Etiquette
or
Read "One Bite at a Time": 52 Projects to help you live more simply
or
I could always Walk 3 miles a day: prescribed by eye doctors and cardiologists alike.
and don't forget to
take vitamins regularly
and
Read one Classic each month.
and
Write a thank you note each week.
and
Wash my face and moisturize with anti-aging creme every night.
and
Floss every day.
AUGH!!!!!!!!
Never mind. I'll do nothing. Since I'm bound to fail, I won't even try.
But this morning ... like other non-descript mornings before it ...
A ray of hope and clarity shone through the cloudy skies of self-prophesied defeat.
I've already missed out on the opportunity to do any of these things
each & every
day.
But I have NOT yet missed the opportunity to be purposeful today.
Peace.
Love.
I can read my Bible ... even if just a verse or two to get me going.
I can greet my kids with kindness ... surely they'd prefer that to the typical cranky chore-hound.
I can plan a menu of healthful meals ... and not hate myself when we order Little Caesar's.
I can pay this month's bills and continue to allow God to be at work in, and to be honored by our financial decisions.
I can brush my teeth....not sure if I'll EVER floss. Honestly.
I can go for a walk ... and think about that Bible verse, and enjoy the crisp air, and pray for my husband and kids, and ponder life's mysteries - like why so many people get hung up on flossing.
As for all the other [wonderful, life-improving] stuff...
I will just have to make myself available to the One who gives me everything I need for life.
The One who gives me life.
Abundant life.
I trust Him to give and take away,
to stir up and subside,
to challenge and expose,
to strengthen and encourage,
to call and answer
to abide with me.
And I will remain in Him.
Resolute.
Today.
and Certainly Discover Joy:)
“I am the true vine … Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you… Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love… These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” –John 15
*revised post originally published 1/4/2012