Ah, January 1. That glorious day when we say “good bye” to the old and “hello” to the new. That day – that singular day – on the calendar when the blank space of 365 unknowns spreads out before us like a book waiting to be written. That day, much like the first day of summer vacation, when the mere possibility of what could be brings forth hope, optimism, and the belief that one year from now we can be so much more, so much better, so very different from what are – and where we are – today.
After 4 decades of new years, you’d think I’d develop some cynicism. You’d think I’d have learned from all my past efforts. You’d think that after living the repetitive cycle of trying and failing, trying and failing, trying and failing innumerable times that I’d be “over it”, that I’d chuck all those good intentions into the trash bin along with last night’s noisemakers and confetti poppers. And yet, I find myself here, sitting at my computer, dusting off the old blog, somehow believing that it is possible – and even probable – that THIS year becomes the year I finally achieve.
I confess. Last year, I didn’t even make resolutions. My philosophy for the year was summed up in one word: “REAL”. My reasons were personal. The meaning was private. My goals were simply between me and God, and I can honestly say He brought me to that place of “REAL.” Through experiences that were painful, humbling, exhilarating and beautiful, God allowed me to become more “REAL” in my relationships with Him and others, in my work and ministry, and in my personal pursuits.
The simplicity of a single word appeals to me. Amidst all the clutter and busy-ness of my daily life, I like the focus of one word to direct my energies and efforts throughout the year. One word to hold me accountable. One word to gauge my progress. One word to challenge me to step out, yet reign me in. One word to inspire. This year’s word is simply: COMMIT.
Commit your activities to the LORD, and your plans will be achieved. (Proverbs 16:3, HCSB)
In the year 2013, I commit the following activities to the Lord, trusting Him to achieve these plans:
spiritual activities:
This year I was deeply inspired by the book Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson. This book describes the kind of Christ-follower I want to be: free to follow where God leads without being caged by fear or responsibility or guilt or failure, or anything else that Satan uses to try to discourage me. This year, with God’s help, I commit to reading through the Bible (again), to being part of a Bible study community, to being active in a life group where we can learn and grow and serve as a family, and to downloading and reading the weekly sermon study guides. I also commit to helping my children establish regular quiet times and exploring how we as a family can incorporate prayer and Bible study into our busy and varied schedules. And of course, I reaffirm my commitment to leading Moms in Prayer, strengthening the ministry of Promiseland through my role as Worship Director, and supporting the mission of Village of Hope, CASA, and other outreach efforts in the community.
physical activities:
2012 was a year where I saw many physical goals set and achieved. In 2013, I reaffirm my commitment to overall health and physical fitness, through developing a workable exercise plan that balances cardio, flexibility and strength training in both group and individual settings. This year, with God’s help, I will work to finally achieve my goal of running a sub-30′ 5K, a sub-60′ 10K and a half marathon in 2:20 or less. Through a commitment to healthy eating, I will reach my goal weight and help my children make healthier food choices.
professional activities:
With the incorporation of my studio, God has certainly affirmed His plan for me professionally. This year, I commit to honoring His leading and direction by working to improve not only my studio, but also myself as a teacher and pianist. The first step will be to join a local piano teachers’ association and become an active member in their meetings and activities. In addition, I commit to studying and interacting with other professionals online, organizing my studio, and creating games and activities to strengthen my students’ technique and theory.
personal activities:
Perhaps my biggest – and most ambitious – goal for this year is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. This year, I commit to producing a manuscript for publication. Not on my blog, but on real paper. Not self-published, but produced through an actual publishing house. And to anyone who is still reading this blog, I promise a free, autographed first-edition copy.
Some people think 13 is an unlucky number. But in this “unlucky” year, it’s nice to know I have a sure guarantee. If I commit these ways to the Lord, and allow Him to accomplish His plan through me, I am assured success.
Those are pretty good odds.