It may not come as a surprise to you that I like to not just reflect the year gone but to prepare my heart for what's ahead! But within that I've been reminded of a few things that I wanted to share, as you perhaps look to a fresh set of 365 days...
First, sit with Jesus.
It's really easy to look at the diary and all the things that we are responsible for, and feel the need to start putting things in... none of this is wrong, and often necessary, but before you do - perhaps sit first. Quiet your heart and your mind, long enough to hear your own heart beat and breath, and let the Holy Spirit minister to you. God loves you - and desires connection and relationship with us.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
Invite God into your week
And I mean your whole week - the bits you're not so excited about, the parts that if you think too long about, raise those stress levels. Resolutions might work for some, but we don't need a 12 month plan about how you'll attack the year! Perhaps start with this weekend, the week or the month.
Sometimes we think the new year is about about starting again, starting anew, but what if this year it's allowing God to continue the great things He started! God has done so much in us, we want to see this grow and mature.
..."being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
Bring God into the fullness of your life
I don't want my relationship with God to be in competition with the fullness that comes with life. We don't have 2 lives, our God-life and our actual life! We are invited to see our kids, parents, friendships, our routines, and our work not as competitors for our time with God, but as places where our relationship with Him can be lived out. Being a healthy parent, a good friend, or a leader isn’t meant to be in competition with following Jesus; we do all those things with Him.
I read this question yesterday as I've been praying and pondering about the year ahead for me, for our family and C3UL.
What would it look like to invite God into the fullness of your days? Of your year? The fullness God has entrusted you with. The fullness God has called you to.
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13
As we enter a new year, as you sit with Jesus, as you invite the Holy Spirit into every part of your week and lives, may we be so much more aware of God, His promptings, His love, His challenge and all that is available to us each day.
Inspired by: Hosanna Wong