Feeling Different Yet?
We are 10 days into the new year. That’s 10 days into healthy living, organized closets, nurtured relationships, a better handle on finances, or whatever else you may have resolved to do in 2024. So here are a few questions for you: How is it going? Are you feeling different yet? Have you been able to keep that resolution, or has your motivation to follow through waned with each passing day?
The beginning of the year, as well as certain times throughout the Christian calendar, (Advent and Lent) we have built in opportunities to improve ourselves. Not simply our physical, emotional, or fiscal selves, but our spiritual selves as well. In other words, we have seasons of liturgical life that give us opportunities to grow. Sometimes we resolve to make big changes in our lives, which can often prove to be a challenge. When we can’t commit to such changes all at once, we feel like a failure. Maybe we don’t need to put so much pressure on ourselves. Maybe we can think of ways to take baby steps in our growth. God wants us to be the best version of ourselves that we can possibly be, because, after all, we are made in his likeness. However, I don’t think God expects us to make improvements and be our best in one month, or even 12. Rather, it comes from a lifetime of growing, a lifetime of being receptive to the Holy Spirit to guide us, a lifetime of building a relationship with God and being open to new ways and new opportunities of connecting with God. So here’s a thought, instead of taking on a huge challenge through a New Year’s resolution, why not commit yourselves to small step towards growth, like reading the Gospel of Mark every day until it is complete, or praying at the same time each morning, or meeting with a prayer partner once a week for a month. When you complete that goal, set another one. Then set another one, and another one. With each small step, there comes growth. With each small step, we find ways to deepen our relationship with God and connect with the Holy Spirit. I don’t know about you, however, that always makes me feel different!
Peace, Josie
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