2012- Have a Word!
I love New Year's Resolutions! Love them! I know plenty of people talk about why you shouldn't wait and anytime is a good time to make changes. I don't care. I love the reflection the end of the year brings and the anticipation of what a new year will hold. Y'all know I love any opportunity to ponder, and there is no greater reason than a new year!!
I don't set goals like weight loss or books read or people visited. For me, New Year's Resolutions aren't about to-do lists. They are about reflecting on where the Lord has taken you and where He has you heading. It's about changing your life.
One year, I resolved to say "yes" to everything I could feasibly do. I babysat a three day old baby. I went to the Oprah show. I spent time with people outside my normal circle. I had a really fun year. Also, I was inconvenienced throughout the year as my plans took a back seat, but I loved being able to be a blessing to others. It was one of the best years ever.
This year, I heard of the idea of coming up with a single word to guide the upcoming year. Since I love words, I thought the plan sounded perfect. I've spent most of December praying and pondering on what word the Lord has for me. Where does He want me to grow? What do I need to learn? I found my word pretty early on, and the rest of the month confirmed it for me.
Decrease.
That's my word. Decrease. John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease."
My prayer, as we prepare to change calendar years, is that the Lord would teach me to get over myself. This life isn't about me. It's about Him. My life isn't for me. It's for Him.
I have no idea what the next 12 months will bring. I have no idea what experiences I will reflect on at the end of 2012. I don't know if I'll even still be around then. But I know that I don't want to waste a minute, let alone a year, on my priorities and goals.
Lord, teach me to decrease so that my life will bring glory to you.
I don't set goals like weight loss or books read or people visited. For me, New Year's Resolutions aren't about to-do lists. They are about reflecting on where the Lord has taken you and where He has you heading. It's about changing your life.
One year, I resolved to say "yes" to everything I could feasibly do. I babysat a three day old baby. I went to the Oprah show. I spent time with people outside my normal circle. I had a really fun year. Also, I was inconvenienced throughout the year as my plans took a back seat, but I loved being able to be a blessing to others. It was one of the best years ever.
This year, I heard of the idea of coming up with a single word to guide the upcoming year. Since I love words, I thought the plan sounded perfect. I've spent most of December praying and pondering on what word the Lord has for me. Where does He want me to grow? What do I need to learn? I found my word pretty early on, and the rest of the month confirmed it for me.
Decrease.
That's my word. Decrease. John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease."
My prayer, as we prepare to change calendar years, is that the Lord would teach me to get over myself. This life isn't about me. It's about Him. My life isn't for me. It's for Him.
I have no idea what the next 12 months will bring. I have no idea what experiences I will reflect on at the end of 2012. I don't know if I'll even still be around then. But I know that I don't want to waste a minute, let alone a year, on my priorities and goals.
Lord, teach me to decrease so that my life will bring glory to you.
How about you?
What does the fast-approaching 2012 have you pondering?
What's your word?
Comments
“They believe they were created for more than a Christian spin on the American dream.
They believe the purpose of their lives is deeper than having a nice job, raising a decent family, living a comfortable life, and tacking church attendance onto the end of it.
They believe Jesus has called them to a much higher plane and given them a much greater dream.
They are Christians who have been conquered by a superior ambition, and they are surrendering ever facet of their lives to knowing Jesus and making his worth known in all the world.” David Platt