And So We Begin...Again

Its the second day of January; the second day of this grand new year...and I am already behind! How is that even possible? How does that happen...or the better question would be, "why do we let that happen?" It is safe to say that at some point, we have all been inspired to make life changing new year's resolutions...only to have them fizzle out by the end of the month...or even, the end of the first week. We then find ourselves feeling downhearted because we could not keep that one simple plan of losing weight, or spending less time on the computer, etc, etc.
For me, I didn't want 2012 to be mired down in defeat by March, because I only lost 3 pounds, or because I only sent one thank you note instead of fifty, or that I started writing a New Years blog the second day of the new year! Instead of viewing New Year's as a clean crisp marker board, I am viewing it as a gently used chalked board; eager to be clean, ready to be used....here's why. We all understand that each year rolls over into the next. As much as we want our lives to start fresh and the things/troubles of the previous year to disappear at midnight, the truth is, sometimes, they roll over with us. Just like a chalk board, you erase the old sentence to write something new, but the chalk dust from that previous statement is still lingering on the board(even when you use wet cleaning cloth, there is still a residue)...even in the midst of the new statement; the new life change.
But here is the good news; The past is just that...the past. We are called to forget the past. Remember these scriptures:

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past" Isaiah 43:18

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes...for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4 (paraphrased)

These scripture remind us that even though things have happened in the past, we do not have to stay trapped in it. There may be consequences from those things...but that does not give us license to wallow in the things of the previous year. Remember, He is making all things new and He has a plan for all of us....Plans to give us a hope and a future(reference Jeremiah 29:11). Yes, you can learn from the past, but once you have learned from it, put it away.

And so...I have chosen to not write down any resolutions this year, Partly because I am still working on the resolutions I wrote last year. Plus, I know I am not perfect, and that there will always be something to work on, and I already write enough to do list, do I really need to write one more? (those that know me well are NOT free to comment here)In addition, I am learning to say no to the habits, commitments, things, attitudes, and even people, that are not working in my life. More importantly, I am starting this new year with God first! He has revealed Himself time and time again! He has shown his faithfulness and extended his grace in my life in 2011 and all the other years since 1979...so why wouldn't He do it again?

Because of who and all that He is, my resolution is to start each day eager to worship him; to take more time and be still in His presence, to embrace all that he puts before me. By placing my obedience to Him first, I trust that He will give me the strength, courage, energy, passion to fulfill those so called resolutions.

2012 is already poised to be a life changing year in the Gage Family. We embrace the journey, ready to seek and follow His will for our lives with the understanding that He is able to do immeasurably more then we could ask or seek.

May He bless you and your family in 2012!

RG