I am sitting on the couch writing while Mr. B. is watching Seinfield and flipping back and forth between the New Year’s Eve countdown on Channel 10. We just might make it to midnight this year!
Earlier we took down our Christmas tree and cleaned the house.
The boys are having a sleepover at Grammie’s.
It’s a peaceful night and I am thinking about the new year.
Every year I usually get excited to set new goals and make some resolutions.
But this year I’m just not feeling it. I think it’s because I am ALWAYS self-examining. I am daily looking at my life and trying to figure out ways to be better. I read a million parenting books and blogs. I sincerely desire to raise kids that love Jesus and I want to love Him well too! But lately I have been feeling the weight of my failures and the many ways I don’t measure up to the expectations I have for myself.
I am beginning to think that too much self-examination is unhealthy!
This was recently confirmed when a friend of mine told me that I think too much and need to spend more time watching TV.
🙂
I do have some dreams for the new year. Some just between me and the Lord. Some y’all are going to hear about in the coming weeks (like the release of my very first eBook – woohoo!)!! And some involving me not spending so much money at the grocery store.
Ha!
But ultimately, this year I really want to learn the art of resting in the Lord’s grace. I am specifically seeking Him about freedom from all. the. guilt. I want to know Him and His kindness in a fresh way.
What about you? Do you have any resolutions for 2016? Or are you taking the year off like me?
– Julie 🙂
This matches exactly how I have felt for a long time. We should be living our life in such a way that we don’t have to make a drastic change on January 1st every year. His mercies are new every morning-not once a year! I pray that you learn to rest in His amazing grace.
Julie,
First off…Happy New Year!! I couldn’t agree more with you. As I wrote my weeklySunday School Preschool letter to my volunteers I tried to convey this same thought to them. Although resolutions are always great jumping off points to a new and better us…we shortly find ourselves drowning in our inadequecies and guilt. I truly believe because our resolutions are focused on US doing it for OURSELVES …no room for God and His work in Us if we choose to go it alone. This year I am going to try, super, duper hard to be still and know that He is God and He has a plan for me. I choose to let Him lead me and not kicking and screaming along the way!! Full disclosure I do tend to do that at times. So applaud your no resolution…and I join ranks with all who are letting go letting God take full control. Love to you and yours!!
Julie,
I haven’t made resolutions for years. I think it’s too much pressure and I am setting myself up to fail.
I’m learning to let go of “stuff.”
Happy New Year!
Julie. I have loved your insight over the past years. Happy new year and thanks for the freedom of no resolution
I am making a “Happiness Jar” with intentions to write down one beautiful moment of the day and add it to the jar [I got the idea from Elizabeth Gilbert]. Happy new year!
That is a wonderful idea!!! LOVE IT!
Enjoy these thoughts that I was encouraged by reading. These “resolutions” all hinge on Him rather than us. A win-win for sure!
http://www.incourage.me/2016/01/ten-guaranteed-resolutions-you-can-count-on-as-you-start-this-new-year.html
Joy, YES! I actually keep meaning to add this link to my post because it was so SPOT ON! Thank you for sharing it!!! xoxo
Great article here to live in grace …..broken yet whole in Him 🙂
http://www.incourage.me/2016/01/live-with-wonder-a-new-years-resolution.html
I loved that one, Leanne! Thank you!