Happy New Year’s Eve everybody! Can you believe it’s the last day of 2011? Doesn’t that sound so “Jetson-y“. 2012. Saying it aloud just seems down right weird. It’s also crazy to think that it was only 365 days ago that I was Welcoming 2011!
Starting a new year always makes me get a little philosophical. I start thinking about things like I’m a year older, my kids are a year older, what did I get right this year and/or what did I screw up? Then I start thinking about the new year ahead of me and what this year may bring? Sadness, Fear, Joy? And most likely, all of those emotions and then some. If I were a worrier (which for the most part I’m not), thinking about the unknown would leave me in bed all day hiding under the covers not wanting to face all of those possibilities. Stop it! I told you I get all gushy this time of year!
But I’m so glad I don’t have to be afraid! I have a Savior who’s already gone before me and paved my way!! Hebrews 12:1-3 tells us to run (run, not walk) with perseverance the race marked out for us (it’s up to me to run it with diligence or fight it along the way)! If we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter (aka absolute or complete) who has endured (experienced) the cross (everything possible we have done or will ever do) and is now alive and sits at the right hand of the throne of God, then we will not grow weary or lose heart.
Fix
(fix something on/upon) direct one’s eyes, attention, or mind steadily or unwaveringly toward: • [ no obj. ] (fix on/upon) (of a person’s eyes, attention, or mind) be directed steadily or unwaveringly toward: • attract and hold (a person’s attention or gaze)
That sounds simple enough doesn’t it but a couple of things happen: we lose sight and and our gaze (I love that word) and secondly, we make it more difficult than it really is. We also tend to wallow in our problems and start enjoying being there too much instead of fixing our eyes where they should be and moving forward.
Anywho….I honestly didn’t intend to go there this morning, but that’s where my fingers led me. 😉
Do you set goals for yourself each year? I think if we start the race with a plan and we have something at the finish line waiting for us, then we have more to actually work towards = accomplishment!
Here are a few I’ve thought of:
1. Run more.
I’ve cut way back on my running for various excuses reasons and I’m getting antsy to get on a regular routine again.
2. Run more 5K’s.
I just ran the one earlier this year and can’t believe I didn’t race anymore. I don’t think my sites were set too high for wanting to run a marathon, but I think I went about it the wrong way (not failure, just lessons learned) I do still want to run a marathon some day, but realistically I need/want to get my feet wet more by running some smaller races first.
3. Give more.
I think this year I’ve put too much emphasis on me (in lots of different areas) and have missed opportunities to give. I want the year 2012 to be a Season of Giving. And giving doesn’t have to be just physically or financially, but it can also be giving of my time, my friendship, or even my ears to listen better.
4. Stop comparing myself.
Augh. This is a hard one. I find myself too many times comparing myself to other wives, mothers, friends, bloggers, runners, photographers…you name ’em-I’ll compare myself to them. I am who I am. Comparing ourself robs us of our own joy and who we are and were created to be. Period.
5. Blog more recipes.
Usually, before I realize it I’ve already cooked breakfast, lunch or supper and I think, “why didn’t I think about blogging this?” I’m going to try to make it a point to start blogging more healthy food choices, snacks and budget-friendly meals and hopefully, but the year-end 2012 have a full page of recipes to share with you.
That’s it! That’s what I have for now. I’m sure as the next few days progress more things will come to mind.
I have been thinking more about the 365 Project. I think I’ve made a decision, but I guess you’ll have to wait until January 1 to find out what that decision is.
What are your goals for 2012?