1. Weight Loss- I feel obligated to list this since it's probably not normal to need my asthma inhaler after tying my shoes. If the weight loss thing falls through, my back up resolution is to locate slip-on or Velcro shoes throughout the year in size 9 1/2.
2. More focus on my household needs. I am really tired of digging 22 packets of McDonald's ketchup out of the fridge to make meatloaf because I forgot to put it on the grocery list. ( And if resolution one survives there will be less opportunities to obtain McDonald's ketchup, so that definitely needs to change.) I would also like to see actual toilet paper in the bathrooms and not paper towels, Kleenex, and napkins because I forgot another staple on the grocery list. If this resolution falls through- Note to self: Ask for extra napkins and ketchup at drive-thru.
3. More focus on personal needs. Just this morning I had to add water to two empty shampoo bottles to get enough suds to wash my hair. This was followed by using a cotton swab to scrape the sides of my deodorant for remnants to make it through the day. It's yet to be seen (or smelled) if I've applied enough to get through the day- I haven't tied my shoes yet.
4. More focus on my spiritual needs. Is there anything sadder than a starving Israelite whose too busy to gather fresh manna from outside their tent? God deserves so much more from me than what He's getting. I could spend a year thanking Him just for a family to make meatloaf for, a husband to smell good for, feet that require shoes to tie, great friends and family to share all those hip swelling meals with, and every breath He gives.
Have you ever wondered what God thinks about the upcoming year? Does He call for a Heaven-wide meeting to evaluate finances, failures, fresh starts, and new beginnings? Does He look over the past year- setting new goals for the upcoming year? Well, let me put your mind at ease. He doesn't think about the new year any differently than last year. He will not re-evaluate- because that would require change, and He does not change. I love this verse-
Lamentations 3:22-23
22 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
EVERY DAY is New Year's day with God. He gives His complete attention, full effort, unwavering focus, unfailing attention to us each day. He is completely perfect every day- no highs or lows, no increase or decrease in productivity, no successes and failures, no lapses or more fervent activity. He is the ever burning bush, awaiting those who will seek Him out and listen. He is the fresh manna daily provided for our ravishing hunger. He is the well dweller, waiting for those who will put forth the effort to pass by and drink His thirst quenching water. He is the possessor of the cattle on a thousand hills, waiting for us to open gates and allow Him to fill our empty pastures. He is the Wonderful Counselor whose couch is always available, the Great Physician who provides our coverage at His own cost, and the Prince of Peace providing an anesthesia-like calmness to our spirit allowing us to rest-regardless of the flurry of activity and chaos around us.
The greatest factor deciding the fate of this New Year for each of us, is in full force- Jesus Christ- the Author and Finisher of our Faith. If we will keep Him as the key element in the formula for the year, the ingredient we always have in stock through prayer and Bible Study (no drive-thru substitutions for this) and the driving force behind all we do, our year will be one for the scrapbooks of Heaven to record and eternally rejoice over!
So, I'm seeking the burning bush today, barefoot, anticipating His call to draw near and hear His word for this hour of my life- but I must say, I am carrying my inhaler in case I am asked to put my shoes back on! Love to you all, my Patient Sisters!
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
EVERY DAY is New Year's day with God. He gives His complete attention, full effort, unwavering focus, unfailing attention to us each day. He is completely perfect every day- no highs or lows, no increase or decrease in productivity, no successes and failures, no lapses or more fervent activity. He is the ever burning bush, awaiting those who will seek Him out and listen. He is the fresh manna daily provided for our ravishing hunger. He is the well dweller, waiting for those who will put forth the effort to pass by and drink His thirst quenching water. He is the possessor of the cattle on a thousand hills, waiting for us to open gates and allow Him to fill our empty pastures. He is the Wonderful Counselor whose couch is always available, the Great Physician who provides our coverage at His own cost, and the Prince of Peace providing an anesthesia-like calmness to our spirit allowing us to rest-regardless of the flurry of activity and chaos around us.
The greatest factor deciding the fate of this New Year for each of us, is in full force- Jesus Christ- the Author and Finisher of our Faith. If we will keep Him as the key element in the formula for the year, the ingredient we always have in stock through prayer and Bible Study (no drive-thru substitutions for this) and the driving force behind all we do, our year will be one for the scrapbooks of Heaven to record and eternally rejoice over!
So, I'm seeking the burning bush today, barefoot, anticipating His call to draw near and hear His word for this hour of my life- but I must say, I am carrying my inhaler in case I am asked to put my shoes back on! Love to you all, my Patient Sisters!
No comments:
Post a Comment