So, I know I've gotten off to a slow blogging start in 2011. And blogging is not the only area that seems to be sluggish these days. Is it the blustery, dreary winter weather we've been having? Or the post-holiday let downs? (I seriously doubt that one. My tree couldn't get gone soon enough for me.) Whatever the reason, I've just been at a slower pace these days. And that's not all a bad thing for this overly busy little bee.
I've never been one to make new year's resolutions. In fact, I usually roll my eyes at the idea. I don't know the statistic on resolutions kept past February, but I guarantee it's low. Really low. Which explains why I just can't get excited about them. I've never been a trend setter and I usually am slow to catch on to them. (Remember those hideous tight rolled jeans? Got made fun of for not doing it. Seriously. Who looks like the bigger idiot now?? Or when capris came out all the rage? Swore I'd never own a pair, and now they're a wardrobe staple. And the whole tucking skinny jeans inside boots? Just bought my first pair of skinnies and suede boots last month.) So needless to say I'm resistant sometimes to the "faddish" (word?) things to do, including new years resolutions. I mean come on. Back in the days when I had time and money for a gym membership, the parking lot was slammed at 6am for the first six weeks or so of the new year. And I'd get real disgruntled at that ungodly morning hour when some new comer grabbed MY bike for spin class. But I was patient knowing it would return to normal. And have you noticed all the 1-800- quit smoking and Slim Fast commercials that inundate the airwaves at the same time?
Before I totally bash new year's resolutions and those of you out there who
make keep them go crazy, I think they're great. It's just never been something I've done. Just always seemed too trendy for me. That's why I don't call them resolutions, and they don't always happen in January. But for some reason this past December I did a lot of self reflection and pondering. Now that I'm in my 30s I've just been more aware of goals and priorities and the important stuff all while trying to ditch the meaningless business that just takes up space.
Which leads me to my point. Recently I've resolved (Pardon the pun, as they're NOT resolutions. The word just fit.) to make some changes and updates in certain areas. I've used the "I have a little baby now and things will just have to get done when they get done excuse" for two and a half years now. And it's become a crutch. O don't get me wrong. I make time for the activities I want time for. Like blogging and spending time with my family and talking to by closest BFFs regularly and attempting really hard at keeping my house spotless and organized. The excuse just seems too convenient for the things that either a) I don't want to do or b) I want to do but I feel like a failure at it so I throw it into the above mentioned category to make myself feel better about it.
And here's my goals for 2011 (and beyond. See, not resolutions which change or get revamped annually.)
1. Spend more time in
structured, planned out reading of the Bible. I just seem to have been so hit-or-miss about it lately. I read here, jump there. But I really want to do a deep study of scripture that's not just random.
2. Exercise again. Wow, that was easy back in the pre-toddler days when I had access to a gym. It has seemed so impossible lately, but I've got, just got, to find a way. I already eat healthy, but I just feel like a bum lately about working out. I know it's just as good for me as diet and I need to get back on track.
3. Become a bookworm again. Let me just tell you. Growing up I was the biggest bookworm on the planet. Every year in grade school, I hands down, by a long shot, won the reading award. Every year. Most of my classmates didn't even try to compete against me because it was borderline impossible. My dad took me to the library most weekends (since I had already read everything from our last visit) and my mom complained about buying me the next Baby Sitters Club book, ON the day it came out, since she knew I'd have it read within 36 hours. I still love the smell of bookstores. And I can't blame this one on the kiddo. I fell off that train in college. Don't really know why. And since we cut our cable and I only get like eight channels now and so there's REALLY nothing on, I have little excuse.
Really, my brain keeps rattling around to things I want to get accomplished, but I really need to stick to these three things. Here's my report card as we near the end of January.
1. Structured Bible reading: C
I'm making progress, but I'm still praying through a few things. I'll just leave it there.
2. Exercising: C
I'm faithfully doing my weights again, but that's about all. A neighbor friend and I talked about becoming walking buddies months ago but that's as far as it got. I need to fb her about it. Time to crack the whip. And just had a heart-to-heart about it with my bestie, Danielle, who is in the same boat. So it's not that I don't have opportunities...
3. Reading: B
If you count three Saints books in a row as deep, thought provoking reading then I'm on a roll!
And I do highly recommend...
Fabulous reads. Eye opening. Inspiring. Riveting. But I do know I need to branch out
just a little.
And while I'm on the subject of the Saints, allow me to chase a rabbit for just a second. Don't you think that Sean Payton as a kid probably looked just like the kid on A Christmas Story???
Just sayin...
Anyway, back to my resolu goals. I'm going to get there. And I'm not setting a deadline. And I'm not beating myself up anymore for failing. Just gonna get back on track.
And yes, these goals are all worthwhile and good. They'll all pay good dividends in return and we should all be striving for similar things. And they all have a place of importance. But, I'm reminded more and more that if that's all I'm chasing after: health, intellect, beauty, enjoyment and fascination, I've still missed the mark.
But change is hard, especially in the midst of trials.
I want my life to be lived for meaning, purpose, eternity. I desire a passion that's beyond this life. I want my life lived for God's glory, in all I say and do. That includes my time, my family, my relationships, my commitments, my energy, and my health. These goals are not an end. They are a means to an end. Since we were made for God's glory, nothing else will truly, fully satisfy. May my life be lived in a manner worthy of Christ's death on the cross and resurrection to eternal life. And may I not settle for just the motions.
Matthew West says it best...
