Everybody’s doing it.
The pressure to begin with a fresh, focused and intentional perspective is an earmark of January. A new slate lands on the doorstep of our year and we etch our dreams, goals and desires toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Sounds like an infomercial, right?
I am excellent at making goals and launching initiatives. My entire career was spent turning my vision into reality by developing new programs, departments and divisions. This craving and challenge to create fuels my passion.
I thrive on change.
I am the perfect consumer to order the shiny New Year deal for just three payments of $19.95!
This year, however, I cannot begin anew.
This year, I must simply continue on.
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:9
The summer of 2009, I came home with five sealed boxes that contained my greatest dreams and biggest achievements. Boxes of reports, resources and rewards accumulated over fourteen years.
I unloaded the boxes in my garage, walked upstairs into my office and told my children I would see them in September.
That was my grand entrance into becoming a stay at home mom.
In hollow thoughts and hesitant moments, God revealed one of my greatest character flaws was the inability to maintain, to continue, to be steadfast.
I lacked the ability to be faithful.
Faithful in the little things no one sees but Him.
And that was exactly what God has been calling me to do. Be faithful.
So this New Year’s, I’m going to maintain. I’m going to carry on. I’m going to be steadfast.
Rather than place a new order on the enticing package, I’m renewing my subscription of “Faithfulness” for just three payments of blood, sweat and tears.
That’s what it’s going to take, so to speak.
I’m going to trust in the One called Faithful and True.
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
That is my New Year’s Continuation.
Is God calling you to keep on keeping on, rather than jump on the bandwagon of something new? Is God giving you one word to be mindful of in your walk with Him?
i don't have a word, but i just want to press on in becoming more like Him.
Posted by: alittlebitograce | January 03, 2011 at 10:27 AM
pressing on to be more like Him is a sweet life resolve! may you continue to abide in Him! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Madabella | January 03, 2011 at 10:48 AM
this is beautiful! just beautiful...
Posted by: Gritandglory | January 03, 2011 at 11:12 AM
I felt this same way last year. And I love that you are so self-aware. In many ways what God is telling me is a continuation of what He's been speaking to me the last six months. You're doing a great job, Melissa! You might feel like no one sees, but as a fellow SAHM I am aware of the things you are doing for your children and sacrificing for your family. God bless you, friend!
Posted by: Melissa Brotherton | January 03, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Thank you, Mel B! Yes, painfully self aware! Gods been showing me for awhile to surrender to Him. I was talking to Noel last night how even our quiet prayer time while the girls are asleep strengthens their walk. I may never see results of some of the (hard) decisions we have made to honor the Lord, but its simply about living for Him. Hell cause the growth and keep my girls in His hand. My job is to...well, just be faithful!
Posted by: Madabella | January 03, 2011 at 12:03 PM
beautiful, true, inspiring ... and faithful! just what i needed to read this morning ...
Posted by: tracie stier-johnson | January 04, 2011 at 05:22 AM
I truly love this. God spoke to me through this post. I have not really set any goals (resolutions) this year. I mean I have things in my mind and my heart that I want to accomplish but I every time I sat down to write I just can't. I was wrestling with this. Wanting to know why. But this morning as I was doing something I felt like He was telling me to just embrace my life at right where He has me. And to just focus on enriching those areas and press on.
The word Press and Continuw has been coming to me for the last month. I needed this confirmation. Thanks.
Posted by: Chrissy | January 10, 2011 at 05:58 PM
I love this. This has confirmed to me that is what the Lord has been laying on my heart.
To embrace where I am at and enrich the things I already do.
Posted by: Chrissy | January 10, 2011 at 06:00 PM
What a blessing, Chrissy!Thank you for sharing this with me. And yes, sometimes God tells us to remain and that is sometimes harder (at least for me) than doing thenew thing. Ill be praying for you...that God continues toestablish the work of your hands.
Posted by: Madabella | January 10, 2011 at 06:37 PM