Do you make New Year's Resolutions? It seems like everyone I ask is *over* the idea of resolutions. I'll admit that I have often felt like they were trite and silly things, or at least that if didn't make them, I didn't have to worry about breaking them.
But I've discovered a few things about myself in the last few months. (I actually owe a lot of credit to this fantastic goal setter/planner/reflection guide from Lavendaire.) I need to write things down, make goals, set deadlines, and challenge myself in new ways. Otherwise, I'll keep trying to lose the same 15 pounds, keep trying to read the same books, keep trying to get organized without mindfully making the changes I need.
My resolutions aren't crazy or anything...
- Cut down sugar
- Build the savings account to a certain number
- Be a little more active each month of the year
- Learn to "ask the Lord"
I saw that last resolution on a list of ideas from Pope Francis - though I'm not sure if it's really a list of his ideas, of course. Can you trust anything you see on Facebook anymore?
Regardless, I decided to give it a try.
I'm ashamed to write this out, but I often realize I have forgotten God. It's easy to fall in to a place where I don't actively think about God. I always believe and I always want a relationship, but I don't always work for it. I don't look for His action in my life, I don't listen for his voice, and I don't even think about asking for things until I'm desperate or in a dark place. I want to practice more reliance on Him in my everyday life. I want Him to be part of the conversation and the first Person I consult when I have a new idea or a new plan.
This year, I'm going to make a list of all the big and small requests I make and conversations I have with God. It's easy to think my prayers aren't answered or that He is a passive observer in my life when I never really keep track. In order to build a spirit of gratitude and to actually SEE Him moving in my life, I'll keep a list and check back every so often to record the ways in which my prayers were answered. I am fully aware that some prayers will be answered quickly, some may take years, and most will not be answered in ways that I expect.
But I can't wait to see how He works.
I will be using this template - keeping it on my fridge so I can easily see it. You are welcome to use it, too, and can download it here.
I'd love to hear about your resolutions and hopes for 2023. How do you plan on growing and changing?