It's about that time in January when all the well-made resolutions have fallen by the wayside. Making new habits is really difficult! That's why last year I resonated with the idea of picking out one word to focus on, rather than trying to defeat myself with resolutions.
Each new year holds it's own challenges. By choosing one word, prayerfully and conscientiously, you can still have a goal...a reminder of what your focus is for the coming year.
Last year my word was...
We were going into our second year of owning the store. The first year bugs had been ironed out, we were getting into a rhythm. Now, we needed to maintain and keep on growing. Last January, I had the opportunity to be in a test group with Prevention magazine, working out with suspension straps, led by Chris Freytag. I needed to workout 4 times a week. I was also in Community Bible study, with 5 days of homework. Add all this up, and include 3 busy kids, a dog and a household to run, and you can see why I chose this word! I come from a family of Norman Rockwell-type expectations. Let's just say we have a lot of "ideas". When we're getting a little out-of-control in our idealistic visions, we say to ourselves, "you gotta cut your losses and move on"! The word "Balance" is my version of this saying. I've always got more ideas, but balance keeps me in check.
This year? Totally different, although balance will still need to happen!
Pursue is an active word. It means to seek a goal, to follow in order to chase, or overtake. Life is short, and is flying by! I want to make sure I am making the most of each moment I've been given, and part of this means pursuing in different areas:
I want to pursue opportunites. Cheryl and I have been doing this business for 15 years! We have slowly, steadily moved forward with each new step. God has provided for us all along the way. Both of us are always thinking of new ideas, and we have a couple thoughts that have been a festerin' for quite a few years. We are both reading Dave Ramsey's new book, EntreLeadership which is excellent, and totally gets us pumped up. This year I want to pursue some of those "what if's"?, and see where the road will lead!
I want to pursue relationships. I can definitely be a Martha instead of a Mary when it comes to my task-oriented self. But the truth is, there's always more work to be done, and it's not an eternal pursuit. Relationships take time. Relationships take work. I want to spend more intentional time getting to know people on a deeper level. This means purposeful lunch and coffee dates with friends and family. I also want to pursue peace in my existing relationships. Peace does not mean quietness, or stuffing the emotions. Instead, it's making wise choices to calmly work through issues. Cheryl and I have enjoyed the ministry of Proverbs 31, and it's founder Lysa Terkeurst. I love getting their devotionals sent to my phone & getting to read them whenever. I'm looking forward to Lysa's book Unglued, and the everyday wisdom she professes in such a humorous way.
The last area I want to pursue is Health! So far, this is the area I think I need the most motivation in right now! I think I need to pray for myself..."please, Lord...make me want to exercise!" I know I can do it...I've done it. And I feel so much better when I'm working out a couple times a week! I also need to get out my calendar and make doctor's appointments...not just for my kids, but for me! Putting the laundry and dishes, and the computer ahead of this is not healthy! Guess it goes back to last year's word...Balance.
1 and 2 Timothy had the word "pursue" in a couple verses:
1 Timothy 6:11
"But you, (wo)man of God, flee from all this (the love of money) and pursue rightousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness."
2 Timothy 2:22
"Flee evil desires of youth, and pursue rightousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those that call upon the Lord with a pure heart."
Do you have a word for the year? What are you pursuing? Hope this gets you thinkin'!
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