Wow. It’s been a long time since we’ve met here. I had a different plan, but you know what they say about man’s plans…
I was so proud of myself the week before Thanksgiving. I put together a blogging schedule for the remainder of 2015 that included staying on a regular three-post-per-week schedule, with the exception of a much-needed break between Christmas and New Year’s Day. I even intended to blog while we were in New York City the week of Thanksgiving.
But Little Bit got the stomach flu.
I got the stomach flu.
Our oldest son got the stomach flu.
We visited Lady Liberty.
Saw Aladdin on Broadway.
Enjoyed “front row seats” at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Balloon Inflation and Parade.
And topped it all off with the Rockettes.
And the American Museum of Natural History.
And a visit to Santa.
Then we came home. And we got the stomach flu all over again. Me once. The boys two more times.
Mixed in to that was a Christmas party here.
A family gathering there.
Tons of church activities.
Some shopping.
And eating.
Lots and lots of eating.
So I looked up ten days ago and realized I hadn’t blogged since November 19. And the funny thing is? I was afraid to start again.
What in the world?
I’ve been blogging for 2 1/2 years now. Why would I suddenly be afraid of it?
But I think that’s what happens in life. If we stay anywhere too long, we get too comfortable. And the idea of stepping out of our comfort zone to mix it up is scary. No matter where we are. And no matter where we plan to go.
So until I put the hot water on the stove to get the French Press going, lit my Mahogany Teak candle, nestled into my favorite chair, and turned the computer on, I was scared to talk to you today.
And then?
I was home.
I’ve missed you all so much! And I hope the holiday season was good to you.
As much as I love the holidays, I always crave getting back into a routine. (Minus the school part. I could do without the routine of school 24/7/9 months per year. And now there are FOUR students in my house, so it’s worse. Much much worse. Who feels my pain?)
I do better on routine.
I always have.
And I’m guessing I always will.
But with so much chaos through the holidays, sometimes it’s difficult to find my groove again. And this year, it’s no different. So I have to go back to the basics as my anchor and find my way from there.
This year, I’m focused on diet, exercise, and quiet time. But my commitment to get back to a regular routine in each of these areas is not a New Year’s Resolution. I don’t do those, because I think the whole idea of a New Year’s Resolution flies in the face of the richness of God’s grace in our lives.
It seems to me that we give ourselves one chance to live up to whatever New Year’s Resolution we’ve made. And when we fail? We throw the baby out with the bath water and tell ourselves we’ll do better next year.
But God’s grace rains down anew on us every day.
Every day, we have the opportunity to live into God’s design for our lives more than we did the day before. Every day, we have the opportunity to “do better” in that one area of our lives that continues to get us down. Every day, we have the opportunity to wipe the slate clean, start over, and try again.
So for me, this renewed commitment to eat right, exercise regularly, and spend quiet time with God daily is simply an acknowledgement that God’s grace is alive and well within me, and today is a new day.
Guess what? The same is true for you.
God’s grace is alive and well in you too, and today is a new day. What are you going to do with it?
Happy New Year, everyone. I’m looking forward to many chats with you in 2016! And on that note, exclusive monthly emails to our subscribers is at the top of the to-do list, and our web designer is putting the finishing touches on the subscription list. So if you want to receive these emails, then subscribe to receive blog updates via email right now!
The post Why I Don’t Make New Year’s Resolutions appeared first on Confessions of a Pastor's Family.