Hooray! It's the start of a new year! It's a new page, a clean slate, a fresh patch of snow! (OK, that last one might have been a bit random. But really, is there anything nicer in the winter than a patch of snow without any footprints in it?)
As we spend these first few days of January reflecting over the things we accomplished in 2017, we also look to the future. We start building dreams like castles. Maybe you resolve to be more patient with the people around you, to exercise more, learn a new skill, eat healthy, break a bad habit, or go on a crazy adventure.
These resolutions are good and fine, but let me ask you something:
Why Start Now?
Sure, it's a new year and all the stuff I listed above, but when you take away the grand name, what are you left with? A day, just like yesterday, today, and tomorrow. We just happen to have this psychotic tradition of staying up until unhealthy hours, eating way too many calories, and launching fireworks into the sky so everybody else can be awake as well. (And boy is it fun!)
And in the end, aren't we just setting ourselves up for disappointment? Statistically, only 8% of Americans actually accomplish their new year's resolutions. There can be nothing more painful than the sting of defeat, shame, and guilt. It sticks with you for a while and causes you to neglect, or ignore, the things that really matter because you're so caught up in how you failed that you miss how you can be better. I would like to live without that, wouldn't you? But how?
The key lies in Proverb's 16:3
Instead of focusing on what You want to accomplish in 2018, set your mind on what God's plans are. Once you submit to His plan (Which, by the way, is perfect) instead of your own (Because you don't have a bit of control over what is going to happen in 2018) there is nothing you can't do. When your resolutions line up with what God has in store, that 8% could grow.
And the best part: this isn't a one time offer! God is ready for you whether you start of January 1st or September 1st. Each day is a field of fresh snow!(Because that's better than just a patch) But the sooner you start walking in God's footprints, the more you will have to look back upon and be satisfied. Just keep this list in mind:
- Just because you mess up today doesn't mean you can't get it right tomorrow
- God knows what you need to get done in your life. You might not see it now, you might not be able to write a nice list to have on display, but He's got a plan
- It's never too late to start following God
What are some of your New Year's resolutions to 2018? What are some of your favorite memories from 2017? Sometimes it's so easy to always look ahead and never take the time to enjoy the experiences of the past.
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