What Happed? (12/27/2023)

Well, since I’m not as fast as I used to be, I decided that I better start my new year’s resolution list early. So, I went to my journal from last year and read over my global overhaul list. As I read it, I realized that I’d only accomplished a couple, most were areas that still needed attention. All I could think was “What happed, old girl?” And then I smiled. Oh, yes, life.

We say it all the time:  there are our plans and then life happens. I thank whoever first articulated the situation. It is my go-to at the end of the year when I read over my resolutions and realize that my progress was dismally small. At first, I was able to excuse my lack of progress by assuring myself that I was a work in progress; then I realized that was the whole point of resolutions – progress – and not only did I miss the boat, but there was also no real proof I even made it to the dock.  

I took it to prayer. Clearly, changing my life was not something I could accomplish alone. This was going to require grace. As I read over my list from last year, questioning why I’d failed in so many areas, a strange peace came over me as instead of a focus on what was not checked off was replaced with memories of times with others, of prayers shared, of spontaneous conversations, of work done for and with others. And my angst was replaced with acceptance. I still need to work on my life beginning with opening even wider the door to the Spirit.

There are my plans and then there’s the LORD’s will. Over the last couple of days, I’ve come to see more clearly that what the LORD wills for me and those whose lives intersect with mine takes priority. I know the LORD desires that I grow in my relationships with Him and with my sisters and brothers in faith. I know that there are a few essentials that need to be on my list: prayer early and often, study of the Word, quality and loving time with and for others. I wrote those down. And then I stopped.

Micah 6:8 came to mind. “You have been told, oh mortal, what is good and what the LORD requires of you: do justice, love relationships, and walk humbly with your LORD.”

I think I have my new year’s resolutions. I will work on my relationships with others and with my LORD. 2024 is going to be “My Relationships Year.” Where that takes me, we’ll see. What that brings me, only the LORD knows now. I’m willing to give it a try. As I was reminded during my resolution prayer, it is all about relationships. And it became clear that the whole world needs to work on relationships, so why not start with me?

Life is going to continue to come at us as continue on our journeys in faith, buoyed by hope, and fueled by the love of the LORD through the gifts of the Spirit. May we focus on what is essential – loving relationships with the LORD and one another. Imagine what could be if the whole world did so. Let us be the seeds sown in this world at this time of great need.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.