January 1, 2018
The new year. New beginnings.
We all know that many set big new goals or resolutions and the majority fail to follow through.
Yesterday in church we were told a statistic that by the year’s end, only 8% will have stuck with it and accomplished the resolution or goal they set at the start of the New Year. I’d like to think I’m one of those 8%. I’m very goal oriented. I have set resolutions that I didn’t stick with, but for the most part, tend to achieve it if I’ve made my mind up on something. I was thankful to have met my running goal for last year, as I previously mentioned. I also set a crazy resolution when I was 12 to give up cookies and pop; the pop lasted a good 6-7 years and to this day I still don’t eat cookies. I eat enough other junk (brownies, pie, ice cream etc.), I don’t need cookies too.
I know this doesn’t mean anything…these goals or resolutions are kind of silly.
I know some don’t even bother setting goals or having resolutions, but I like them and feel almost like I need them to be focused. I’m a planner, like to have a vision, something to focus on. I like goals that are clear and measurable, easily defined. I’m actually at somewhat of a loss this year. I don’t have any set number of miles I want to reach or marathons I want to do.
I think more than anything and probably like many others, I want to strive to be a better person. I want to be love; not just show love, but be an example of God’s love. I feel like I’m good at being a friend. I’m good at being thoughtful, kind, and loving to those who are easy to love. But it’s in those times when you are tested – waiting in a long line when you are short on time or when the neighbor kids are picking your flowers or playing in your garden, or even when your own kids are pushing your buttons, or those people in your life that you may not always see eye to eye with- it is in these times I want to still respond in or show love.
I know where and how I have failed in the past and I get down when I focus on the things I’ve done wrong, failed miserably at, or wish I would’ve reacted differently; but I also know it’s Satan who would like me to focus on the negative and see myself as a failure. Instead I’d like to draw nearer to God and let him lift me up, encourage me, and allow Him to make me into the person He wants me to be.
So for this year, even though it’s not a measurable, well defined goal, I’d like to be a better person; I want to show love in all those more difficult scenarios. I want to be a more gentle, kind, patient mother. I want to continue to grow in my relationship with God. I want to be present- especially with my kids, putting my stupid phone away. I want to continue to make my husband feel loved.
That’s one of the best things that happened or changed in 2017- our relationship with God grew as individuals and for the first time, together as a couple. Our marriage did a 180 degree transformation and I am so very thankful for where we are today. Thankful for the opportunity to renew our vows and make each other our world.
We’ll see what 2018 has in store for us! I know as much as I’d like to get a New Year’s Day run in, at -11* it’s probably not happening today; but there’s always tomorrow. We’ve got a relaxing family day of snuggling, watching movies, and playing with new toys in store anyway…much more fun.
Do you have any goals or resolutions? Feel free to share them and we can help hold each other accountable. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year ahead! 😊
Runner With A Hunger 