Birthdays seem to come around pretty quickly. Have you ever noticed that? Tomorrow is my 29th birthday. I confess, my birthdays tend to be a struggle for me. I'm not quite sure why. I know I'm blessed, and always have been, but there's just always something about them that stir up emotions of insecurity and guilt. I then struggle to allow those around me truly celebrate me.
It's probably been easy to look at how quickly life has gone, and then wonder if I've done anything worthwhile. As it begins to draw near, I immediately begin to reflect on previous years. I remember many of the mistakes I've made and wish, once again, that I could go back in time and change them.
But we can't go back. And instead of focusing on the events in my life I'm less than proud of, I am determined to focus on the present time and any future days the Lord decides to bless me with. He's already set me free from my past anyway. His Word says He will restore the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25-27) and that all things work together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28). He's so good to us!
So, I've been thinking about my life, and trying to pinpoint a few areas I'd like to focus on in the coming year. Here's what I've come up with so far.
- Love the Lord with my whole heart. This seems like something every Christian would want to accomplish, but it's much harder than it sounds. Seeking Him in every single thing we are doing isn't easy unless we are focused and intentional.
- Become "selfless" instead of "selfish." Again, no easy feat. Our sinful selves would prefer to always act on how we feel, what we want, or what looks good to us before thinking about the needs of desires of others...but that's exactly what He has called us to do.
- Choose joy. Everyday. All day. This could really be a difficult challenge. I mean, what about when my favorite basketball team(Rock Chalk) loses? Or, what if it's a really hard day at work because I've only spoken to angry customers all day? OR, what if I'm trying really hard to give to others, only to have them reject me? Here's a good one. What if, and I know this may not speak to anyone else out there, but what if...I didn't get everything I wanted or believed I need? What then? What I'm asking myself now is, "Is there any BETTER" time to choose joy?"
- Be thankful for the seemingly small things. Something that most of us have said at one moment or another. Whether it's the smell of fresh cut grass (Thank you for mowing the yard today, honey), sitting on the deck with your kids just soaking up some rays (I LOVE those times), or looking up into a star-filled sky, thanking God for His creation and blessings at all times will help us to love deeper and naturally have a better attitude when the trials come along.
- Pray first. Act second. Do you ever catch yourself acting in the heat of the moment and then wishing you had just taken a few minutes to pray first? I do. Definitely an area of focus this year.
- See the best in others. Not always easy, especially when people let you down, but always the best way to live. I will be focusing on seeing people the way God sees them, instead of just the one-dimensional view my own flesh gives me.
These few things will prove to be difficult, no doubt. And I'm sure to fail at times. But, these few things will also enhance my life, bring joy to my heart at new levels, and show Christ to a world that doesn't know Him. He has given me today to love at new depths and challenge myself to be taught how He wants me to change to show that love for Him, to others. It'll be worth it to hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant.."
I am also blessed this year to celebrate my birthday on Easter! What a wonderful way to start the next year focusing on all He has done! He is RISEN!!
Blessings,
Abby
Scripture references from above:
Joel 2:25-27 - "So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, and the chewing locust, my great army which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, Who dealt wonderfully with you; And my people shall never be put to shame. Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the Lord your God and there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame."
Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Matthew 25:21 - "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you a ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of the Lord."