It probably has something to do with the fact that I don't like doing the "in" thing. If everyone else is doing it, count me out... even if it's something I know I'd like and could possibly be beneficial for my life. I'd rather wait for the hype to pass and then delve into whatever it was that somehow managed to capture the attention of everyone else. Being associated with the "crowd" seriously gives me the heebie-jeebies.
New Year's resolutions are one of those things I avoid like the plague. Along with a certain singer whose name rhymes with "fever".
I like the concept. I like setting goals (believe me, I'm an awesome goal-setter). It's the follow through that bothers me. Or really, lack of follow through.
Because really, how many of us actually keep our New Year's resolutions throughout the entire year? How many of us actually reach the goals we set for ourselves? How many of us give up only after one week? Or two days?
If I made resolutions, I can promise you I'd fall into the latter category. Every. Single. Time.
Just the other day, I told the Mr. that we really need to start making an effort to workout. Because we're not getting any younger, and I'm pretty sure our occasional Ramen-noodle diet is going to do some serious things to our heart.
Serious as in not good things.
So, being the naturally compliant husband he is, he said "Ok."
Simple as that. Accountability made.
Later that day, he broached the topic. While I was in the middle of eating a bowl of peppermint ice cream, mind you.
The Mr: "So, are we going to go workout tonight?"
Me: "Uh, no."
The Mr.: "Well, you said you wanted to. I'm just making the effort."
Me: "It's too late...and cold."
The Mr: "Ok. Just asking."
And that's how I single-handedly broke a goal I'd made not even 6 hours earlier.
So New Year's resolutions? Um, rather not.
Despite my reluctance to set resolutions, I do desire change. I want to intentionally start the year off right. I want this year to be better than the last. I want to seize opportunities by the horn and not let them go.
I read a blog over at (in)courage this morning that really got me thinking. It talked about "rewriting" our New Year's resolutions and choosing ONE word to sum up who you want to be and how you want to live this year. One word to guide your thoughts, your actions, and your purposes throughout the year. One word by which to shape everything you do each and every day.
My word for the New Year is more.
Not as in more money. More stuff. More opportunity. More pursuits.
More as in more love. More grace. More trust. More truth. More faith. More commitment. More intentionality. More understanding. More sacrifice.
...and less self-focus.
As I think about the year ahead, I see more. I see the unraveling of a purpose that will lead to more of the good things and less of the bad. I see opportunities that will create more trust in God and who He says I am. I see a chance for more growth - personally, relationally, and spiritually. When I look 2014 in the face, I see God doing more in and through my life.
So I don't have a resolution. I don't have a list of measurable goals that I'll forget about in five seconds.
I have an intentionality to seek out the more and become more to those around me.
Happy New Year!
Love Josh, Alexis, The Holy Terror & Miss-Priss
