I have a love-hate relationship with New Year’s Resolutions. I love making them, and usually I look back several months later to find I have completed far more than I expected. That feels awesome.
This past year, though, I was in the hate category more than usual. Of the ten resolutions I made for 2012, I only accomplished three of them. Abysmal failure.
This year, I only made three resolutions. Perhaps I can remember three things.
Wait, I have to go look up numbers two and three … [shoulda’ made strengthen my memory a resolution. But I would forget …]
Oh, now I remember. Numbers two and three are prioritize family (meals, dates, etc.) and finish researching for college project.
My top resolution, the big fat resolution is the tough one: self-discipline. Used to have it, but totally slacked off the last couple years. No more excuses, I am cracking my own whip now!
The biggest problem with not achieving my goals and projects, I see now, is a lack of self-discipline. Diet, household chores, exercise, time-management, even blogging … it all came down to my new lackadaisical attitude. Well, no more! This chick is fired up, now!
We are a whopping three days into the New Year, and so far, I have not forgotten my big, fat resolution (no pun intended with the 40 lbs I hope to lose!). Looking my failures full-on, telling myself the truth about my shortcomings, and courageously naming my sin and repenting of it is so freeing: I will not continue in laziness.
How is your new year, friend? Are you overwhelmed, discouraged, or down-hearted? I encourage you – one real mom to another – to dig deep and honestly look at what you need to change. Perhaps you, too, will find a pattern, a character quality missing, a fruit of the Spirit lacking.
God is gracious, who will make a way of escape! Let’s live 2013 in victory through His power!
Share your own resolution and encouragement on facebook or twitter. I’d love to hear from you!
What do you think?