As I've contemplated finding a new word for 2015, it occurs to me that my original plan to have a word a month for 2014 died back in April.
I'm really not good at this sort of thing.
In the fall, I did a prayer study called The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. Batterson encourages his readers to make a list of life goals, and I honestly found this exercise incredibly difficult. What do I want?
Good question. I don't have a good answer.
Over my 48 years, I've had lots of answers that mostly ended up being wrong. I've made plans that never happened the way I'd envisioned, despite my best efforts. And I have watched others miss blessings because they were too focused, too determined to follow their plan. I've seen negativity and resentment of plans unfulfilled drag down some of the most blessed people I know. These experiences have lead me to resist planning too much, resist limiting my life to just what I want. To paraphrase Professor Dumbledore, people do have a habit of wanting what's worst for them.
My life is an example of blessings unplanned.
Or, at least, unplanned by me.
Various opportunities have popped up, and I've seized them. Perhaps that's my gift: to seize the blessings as they arise and to trust that they will, indeed, arise as needed. I don't have to control everything anymore, and that keeps me looking for whatever blessings life has to offer. It's quite the adventure, and I'm happy with it.
So what are my resolutions for 2015? Looking back over the years, a few have stood out as broadly successful. Cultivating gratitude. Learning new things. Making stuff. This year, I'd like to continue cultivating gratitude for all these unplanned blessings. I'd like to learn some new things...specifically, a few Bible studies but also whatever else pops up in front of me. I'd like to make stuff, especially my book and more writing on my blogs. I'd like to continue to treat myself kindly and to treat others kindly as well.
That seems good enough.
What are your goals or resolutions for 2015? Please share!
Well said, Susan! I didn't really make any resolutions this year, but am looking forward to seeing what other readers have to say!
ReplyDeleteToday's sermon at church was about finding new or deeper ways to serve God and grow in relationship with Him. Those are certainly good goals!
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