Reflection
This year has been one to remember. While some feel 2021 cannot come fast enough, others have found a silver lining in it all. I think it’s interesting how it is so easy to focus on the negative things that happen in life. I’ll be the first to admit that if I am given a survey, I’m less likely to fill it out if I’m satisfied. On the other hand, I will definitely be filling it out if I’m not happy. Can you relate? Why is it that we always want to share our negative experiences rather than all the positives? If things don’t go as I had planned the last thing I want to do is embrace the change. Instead, I rather complain and whine, then tell everyone in hopes to get some validation which may or may not make me feel better. Have you ever done that? I started thinking, what makes my way so great. When did my way become the only way? Ultimately, we are in control of very little if you look at the entire world view. But of the very little we do have control over, we have pretty important choices. What have been some of your choices lately? I know for me this year has been full of a lot of different emotions. It has been a struggle to keep my mind focused on truth rather than my feelings. Granted, in some situations it is absolutely necessary to allow ourselves to go through a “healing” or “grieving” process in certain situations. However, that is not what I’m talking about here. What I’m referring to are feelings that come with daily life this past year. Maybe you were working through losing a job, loneliness from isolation or worry of whether things will get back to “normal.” On the other hand, maybe you have had some precious time with my family, made memories you would not have had an opportunity to, or found a job that otherwise would not have been created. Personally, this year has allowed me to be more aware of how my children learn. It gave me a lot of insight on what they do in school and where they need help. I have also been more intentional on building friendships and talking with colleagues. Taking time to pause, mostly because I was forced to, and just slow done. It has been refreshing in many ways.
The past few years as New Year’s rolls around I attempt to do my version of self-reflection and I tend to ask myself questions. One of the questions I ask is, “how do I want to be remembered?” The answer has evolved over the course of my life, but it always includes somewhere in it reflecting God to others. As I began asking questions, I came across a quote by Dwight Lyman Moody that said, “Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at something that doesn’t really matter.” This quote caused me to pause and ask are the things I’m working towards worth it? Are they to further God’s kingdom or are they self-serving? I can tell you, that I have plenty of areas that I’m praying through and working on improving. One thing I am confident about is this, if my life is in alignment with God’s will then joy will be the result.
If I’m honest some of my resolutions are self-serving such as trying to improve my health. This is mostly so I can keep up with my children. Another, as weird as it may sound one of my goals is to try to eat vegetables with every meal. Which I think will be the most challenging with breakfast. The last one I will share is to encourage others, particularly women. I am always amazed at how the Holy Spirit moves when small groups of women gather. What are your New Year’s resolutions? Are they focused on things that will bring temporary happiness or are they kingdom-focused goals that will bring everlasting joy.
Heavenly Father I make us more like you. Help us to be burdened for the things that matter to you. Lord help us to see how you want us to work to glorify you. We ask for comfort and protection as we begin a New Year. In Jesus name, Amen.