As a student I always dreaded the first day back after Christmas break. It was inevitable. I was going to be asked to write a journal entry on my New Year's resolutions. Some how they didn't get the message that I was already perfect and didn't need to work on anything ;) So, every year I wrote the same one - This year I am going to be nicer to my sister.
As I have grown, I have given up on being nicer to my sister - just kidding. But, I have at least made some different resolutions. I come up with them from several places.
1. I find something I don't like about myself and make a resolution to change it.
2. I find something I like about someone else and make a resolution to develop that character trait/habit/skill.
3. I hear a sermon or read about a great idea and decide that if I can't think of anything better then I will make a resolution to do that.
And so it went every year. Now, I know some people don't make resolutions because they know they won't keep them. I have a different view. Even if I failed I tried. For example, memorize a Bible verse a week - even if I don't make it but three weeks I know three more than I did. Or don't eat chocolate - at least I went a few days before I ate all the chocolate I could find :D Other people don't make resolutions because they think that you could make those changes anytime. Which you could.
This year I had a revelation. (I chose the word revelation because it was a alliteration with resolution - like?) My way of coming up with resolutions was terrible on so many levels. First, if I was going to succeed at keeping any resolution it would have to be through God's strength and power. There was no way that I could keep up any routine even on my worst days and also keep a positive, joyful attitude. Secondly, if I was depending on God to help me become like someone else or fix something I didn't like about myself I was out of luck. He made me ME, and He wants to help me change to be more like him, not more like Mrs. So-and-So. This revelation might be a big "duh" to you, but I can be a slow learner.
I can't say that I was excited to find out what God had for me this up-coming year. After all, my resolution was going to be survival. What else could I stack on top of moving, a deployment, and a new baby? However, God is faithful and he gave me a resolution that I would never have chosen: be a prayer warrior for my family. Thankfully he didn't ask me to write a book or potty train the twins. (He knows that will take a miracle - and lots of patience.) He asked me to pray. It is perfect and the most powerful thing I can do for my family this year. Not only can I do it while changing diapers and playing Mr. Potato Head, but I can also do it during the quiet times when the kiddos are in bed and I would usually be talking to Danny. I can talk to my Father. I am sure He will use my time in prayer to help me just as much as He will use it to help others.
So, here's to 2013! I am so excited to see what God has in store!
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