2015… what will be 2015?
There were a few really great moments in 2014 but overall, I would consider the last year to have been one of the most difficult years of my life. At 30 years old, as of December 11th, I have lived a few VERY hard years… and by a “few,” I mean a LOT. And by “hard,” I really mean that people have suggested my life stories be included within the pages of a book. Because they were hard, yes, and because I’m still here to talk about it. Actually, I do talk about it. I tell my story as a sign of hope for those facing giant sized trauma in their lives. I also dance my story. I sing my story. I act out my story. And more than anything, I point to Christ’s story of love. Redemption.
So I say, 2014 was difficult but also beneficial to host another group of people who will be rewarded with hope because of hearing/seeing/reading it in the future. It’s for them, not me, that I face my own giants… and ultimately, it’s for Him and His sake which brings me back to my first thought… what will be 2015?
Where should I start, I pondered… I want it to be different than last year. I want to feel different than I did and to better see the promised rainbow of the future, even in the midst of the current trials and storms. That’s when I stumbled once again upon this determining verse in the Bible…
John 1:1-2,14
“(1-2) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God… (14) and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Grace. Truth.
That sounds like two great words to begin 2015 committed to! So, “How do I attain either in my life… practically?” I asked the Lord.
The answer showed up in my mind like a post-it on my mirror… the Word. Jesus.
Just like “in the beginning,” everything starts with the Word. Jesus. And while we’re at it, everything ends with Him as well. So why not make Him my go to this year… for everything? He could be my 12k starting point in January, along with the finish line that I will set my eyes on to run to at the end of December… even if I have to push hard through mile 12 in deliberate desperation for the prize of finishing well. I’m confident that he will be there with me no matter what and will surely champion me through that tape across my chest!
So I made a daily schedule for this year and I aim to stick to it. This is what it looks like:
2015 Calendar/Schedule
January 1- December 31 – Seek the Word first and dwell in His glory
Attain – Grace & Truth
The plan is that simple. Unlike most New Years’ resolutions, it’s not a long reaching goal. And it’s not much of a sacrifice. It’s a blessing. It just means 1 real sacrifice each morning as I begin again. The laying down of my own deficient will for His perfect one. And for me personally, it means giving Him the attention He deserves, instead of busying myself with the work I do “for Him.”
I look to the Word and I ask Him to welcome me into His New Year of grace and truth. That 2015 though. I can already see it… what a year. Soli deo Gloria.