Monday, December 30, 2024 (Mary Ann)

Posted on Jan 07, 2025 by Josh Heppner 0 comments

I blew it again!

Once more it’s that traditional time of year when we set ourselves up for failure. At least I do. Like the year my New Year’s resolutions included losing 10 pounds and getting in shape. So I gained 15 pounds and gave up my Olympic dream of women’s gymnastics.*

Just kidding. I gained 20!

So what is it with resolutions? Why do we make them year after year? And what’s the magic in breaking out a new calendar? Isn’t January 1 just another day, pretty much like December 31? Or is it because turning the page on the old year makes us reflect on “how we did” over the last 366 (leap year) days, like a self-imposed yearly performance review?

Wouldn't we like do-overs in at least some categories on that list?

How about a do-better?

As much as we might want it, our earthly lives aren’t lived out on a giant Etch-a-Sketch stage. We can look back but we can’t just shake 2024 and change anything we thought, said, did, or didn’t do.

So, for me anyway, I’m heading back to basics for a 2025 do-better. (Never ever eating chocolate again doesn’t even make the list.) No, I want to concentrate on what should form the foundation of how I think, say, do, and don’t do. So top of the resolution list is strengthening my relationship with the One who loves me most despite knowing me best. Some steps:

Read and meditate. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:2-3 We are those trees, dear leafy Sisters, so let’s drink deeply and daily. Trees with shallow root systems stress easily and have a tough time standing through storms.

Spend alone time with God. After dismissing the crowds, he went up to the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening, he was there alone. Matthew 14:23 Jesus needed alone time with his Father. How much more do we?

Watch what’s watched. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. Matthew 6:22-14 Ouch! I spend way too many hours on social media every day. How about you? I don’t think we even realize how much of what we listen to and watch shapes our thoughts, opinions and actions. Better to keep our eyes on Jesus.

Invite God into daily life. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:25 As believers, we have the Holy Spirit with us 24/7 and living in us. He is our helper and counselor with power to transform us into the image of Christ. We only need to ask Him for wisdom.

Forgive. Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25-26 Unforgiveness towards another person keeps us at a distance from God. That's why a heart examination is a healthy way to begin the new year. And while it can be hard to forgive, we’re not alone; God knows it’s hard and he’s eager to help! My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12.9

We don’t know what 2025 will bring, do we? But let’s not be going through it alone. Not when we have all the resources of our Heavenly Father available.

I’m looking forward to getting back to our RCC Bible study in February. Hope you are too. We really are better together, you know, and I’m missing y’all!

Mary Ann

*Oh, I was kidding about women’s gymnastics, too. It was really beach volleyball.