2019…never to be forgotten. This past year I learned something new. Sometimes our lessons come the hard way. It is like a skier who is just finding her ski legs, looking crazy coming down the hill and crashing to stop. Later in the day she looks a little more confident yet still lacks poise, but does not lack effort. Metaphorically this skier has been me this year. I have had positive and some less than desirable dreams come true. I would say the good and bad are juxtaposed in ski run that wouldn’t be complete - one without the other - although I would rather have just the good in light of my love for simplicity.
This past year I grew in confidence. So often I have relied on others to cheer me along, but this year I was able to stand professionally and personally in ways that made me be more honest and transparent. This led to greater self-awareness and clarity in the midst of the world around me. I learned to trust my instincts and abilities. This confidence has allowed for perseverance in areas that seemed insurmountable.
In 2019, I turned my head away, more than ever, to the areas that I can’t change. This has led to greater contentment. I have “let go” more and embraced the real things around me as they have made themselves known. Realizing that I am constantly in the middle of the story rather than at the finish line has framed life for me and has given me a more wholesome perspective. I have been a person who is challenged by a finish line but my challenge this year has been living with the dissonance around me. Growing in contentment may be the greatest achievement of 2019.
Professionally, I have worked with amazing colleagues and have been pushed toward greater competence on so many levels. I have spoken at a few conferences and have attended more lectures than any other year since my college days. Working with excellent people has given me security and a team that I can rely on.
In the home, words cannot describe the joy that I feel for the people that I call family. Our inner connectedness is a daily lifestyle of teamwork. My marriage has become richer as I have learned even more about the integrity and character of the one who I call “Hubby.” The kids are sprouting up and taking on new opportunities as they arise. Being head cheerleader, driver, cook, friend, and prayer warrior for this little clan has been awesome in 2019.
Goals for 2020:
From my vantage point I can see that it is going to be a great year. 20/20 is perfect vision, isn’t it? This year I want to live generously, love boldly, and take care of myself more. May the lessons of 2019 continue to ring in my year with greater contentment and even more confidence.
Living generously is making room for spontaneity and opportunities. It is letting fear take the back seat and see how I can serve every day and in every opportunity. By giving more, I will be able to step away at times from my detailed agenda and allow for more freedom of thought and openness to God’s leading on a daily basis. I need to save money this year but I want to live generously. Generosity isn’t all financial, anyway.
Loving boldly is primarily focused on my spouse but extends to my kids, my church, my community, and the world. Jarringly, I cannot leave God out of that. I want my love for God to be preeminent in me above all else. Having been married for decades now, I see that I want to know and love my spouse even more. It seems a bit crazy to me but making him a priority and showing greater love is a goal.
Taking better care of me! I want to eat better and stop being so obsessed with sugar. I want to continue to go on daily walks or runs where I will find rejuvenation and refreshment in 2020. I want to be deliberate in prayer and supplication. I will cease being a disciple if I cease discipleship. I want faith to be an epic walk in 2020.
So, what do you think?
Do you think goals are important for you? What are your hopes and dreams? What are your plans for 2020? It is all yours. The days, the nights, and all the moments. Follow your dreams! Don’t be afraid to be like that novice skier who is lacking poise and crashing along. You never know where those moguls will land you, and you’ll get stronger as you go along!
“Get wisdom; get insight; … Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. …She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.” Proverbs 4:5-9
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