Every January when the calendar shifts, many find themselves trying to establish new goals and resolutions for the New Year.
Some are trying to figure out what can be done differently to improve physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. Some
are celebrating and embracing the change while others fear the change, and there are some who are sinking into bitterness from
the past hurts, failures, and disappointments.
At the end of each year, I reflect on the miracles and the memories as well as the mistakes. I reflect on the lost nights of sleep, the things
that worried me, the times I cried, and at times felt as if I was losing hope. I reflect on the roadblocks, disappointments, and delays
but decide with confidence and hope to look at them differently. I choose to view them as opportunities to grow and trust God even
more. I use those times to pray more, worry less, develop ruthless optimism and resolve to learn and not look back.
Know what you want to grow
I've learned over the years that whatever you pay attention to tends to grow, and I believe what motivates a person most is what's
growing on the inside. I think it's important to focus on the things that are aligned with your vision, with your goals, dreams, and
most certainly, your values. Because, if we fail to pay attention, we run the risk of being pulled in a direction we never intended.
Does every year go as planned for me? No, and I anticipate that every year will bring challenges and disappointments for us all,
but if responded to correctly, those moments in life can be used for a higher purpose, and that's a decision each of us needs to make.
From my observation, most people who encounter disappointments don't respond correctly, and tend to quit too easily.
The past is where it belongs, so why do we struggle with leaving it there? I have been challenged by this most of my life. I beat myself
up over mistakes I've made or things I should have done or said differently. I've insisted that I would "drop it" but find myself
shortly after picking it up again. Last year has come and gone, and it is no longer here. We can carry the weight from the past and
focus on things that didn't go as planned, or we can choose to press on, allowing God to do something bigger and better in the future.
Coming to an end of yourself creates room for God to do new and amazing things in your life. This allows Him to turn your pain into
purpose and to transform your thinking. But you have to be willing to accept it and close the door on yesterday; remember the door
handle is always on your side.
No matter where you're going this year, know this, there will never be a moment where you won't be wrapped in God's love, mercy,
and grace. Suspend your disbelief and change your perspective on the person you see in the mirror. Learn to slow down, take
care of the little things, and avoid getting caught up in what’s meaningless. Strive to be mindful, to listen deeply, and breathe.
You were designed to fulfill a purpose, a purpose that only you can satisfy. Surround yourself with the right people, be committed to
excellence, do your very best in everything, in every way, and don't be afraid to leave the past where it belongs.
Don't allow life to come with a death sentence, live life to its fullest (Ephesians 3:19). Remember, we can't control what happens around
us, but we can most certainly control what happens in us. We can choose to be offended and harbor bitterness or increase our level of
execution. Pursue your passions, strive to make a difference, and choose to be great this year because, truthfully, there is no excuse
for not being great.
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
-Isaiah 43:19