- "Be happier."
- "Lose the fat."
- "Exercise faithfully."
- "Read through the Bible."
- "Find a spouse."
- "Attend church regularly."
- "Teach my children manners."
- "Make friends at the office."
- "Volunteer more."
- Etc. We're shooting for big, general - and random - goals without planning details to reach them. Our resolutions are more sighs and wishes than strategic focus.
Once again, I accomplished a few things I am happy about, but did a few things wrong. Being honest about what we did well is harder for some people than self-critique. Others only want to look back positively, reluctant to be honest enough to admit, "I was a flop at..." or, "I should have done better at..."
This year, I intend to compare journals of the past ten years, asking questions to expose three patterns:
- Are there successes and giftings that could be developed further in 2011?
- What do I resolve year after year that NEEDS a change in attitude or behavior? Can such a transformation be activated by spiritual growth or does it depend on other disciplines?
- What dreams are unrealized or unfulfilled? Am I hanging on to worthless ideals when God has changed my life's direction? Or are those dreams still worth pursuing? If so, how can I move step-by-step toward them?
In the meantime, I'm planning a few hours of solitude to meditation on scripture and reflect on my own journey. I want to move toward God's desires and opportunities in the coming days and months.
How will you bring 2010 to a close and walk into 2011?
Read more:
*Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
*We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:3-6 NIV
another great, thought-provoking read....I kept thinking about the little fish in the Pixar film, Nemo, saying "just keep swimming..." I suppose that's what I will do in the transition from 2010 to 2011 -- swimming and praying ;-) xoxoxo
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