Everybody makes New Years resolutions.  Last year I made Anti-Resolutions (and stuck to them!  I wasn't tempted to run a marathon once, and I successfully let my laundry grow to Everest sized piles!)  However, this year, I thought, well, I'd be serious. 

I know, but it's always good to try something new. 

The thing is, I'm not getting any younger (although my daughter tells me to stop acting like a teenager, so maybe I am!  Oh whoops, serious.)  and I've been thinking a lot about my remaining time on the planet (okay, like hopefully 50 more years, but really, who knows?).  I like doing A LOT of things -- like playing tennis, which I am terrible at and only learned this summer.  And Karate.  And I like doing new Bible Studies, and trying new programs at church.  I like trying new recipes, and re-arranging the house.  I like reading new books, and experimenting with new stories. 

And why do I do this?  Because, well, someone told me I should.  I should try new things.  I should expand my horizons. 

But a gal can only do so much at a time.  I went to an organizational seminar last year, and the woman had reams of lists, all partitioned down into little groups. She even had her reading material mapped out for a year.  Okay, I did that once, and sometimes still do for research purposes, but what about that quick weekend read you pick up at the grocery story along with a couple frozen pizzas?  Where does that fit?  I'll pencil it in for next August? 

I decided that what I need this year is a little refinement.  See, while ALL those things are potentially interesting and good, doing them ALL at the same time is not.  So, I'm going to focus.  Prioritize.  Maybe I'll just do ONE sport.  Or Learn ONE type of cooking.  Study ONE book of the Bible, focus on ONE room.  Maybe write ONE genre.  By paring down, maybe I can manage to do ONE thing well. 

I know God has given me a lot of different interests and desires, but if I buy into the "I have to do everything" to be happy, then I think I'm going to end up like my son on Christmas Eve - too many different cookies on his plate, not sure what to eat first, and surely too full to enjoy any of them.

Last month I talked about my beholding journal.  Here's my first entry:  I behold God in my life when I sit, and breathe, and enjoy the freedom He gives me to choose, to hear his voice, all the while protecting me from the voices that demand I do everything in order to be complete and successful in my world.  I am complete and successful just as I am, because of Him. 

I hope this year, as you look at your resolutions; you're able to sort out all the options, and behold God giving you freedom to choose the ones that will truly enrich you. 

Happy New Year!