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Do you believe in making them??
I personally think that whether people take the time to voice their new years resolutions, plans, hopes or dreams, we all think about them.  It’s refreshing to sit back and entertain our thoughts about the possibility of a fresh, new start.  There’s just something so energizing about getting rid of the old and moving forward.  That’s why I really love this time of year.

Last week I spent 2 days away as I try to do at least once or twice/year.  I book a hotel room in a snazzy hotel and just sit back and relax and think, plan, journal and take naps.  This year in particular I was reading through my journal from 2008, and do you know what I noticed?  I noticed an Amy who was really putting a lot of effort into life - pushing hard, moving fast and always longing for something.  And to an extent, I think this was good.  I have always heard people say that you can measure some amount of success if you can look back over the past year and see that you are further down the road in a positive direction than you were the year before.  This I can attest to for my 2008.  God has taught me some very important lessons and moved me forward.  But I also noticed an Amy who was really stressed out.  She was fussing a lot about life and kids and pleading with God to rescue her when things started to be too much to juggle.

And in the middle of it all, I found myself asking the question, “what was the #1 thing I learned in 2008?”  Though there were many, I landed on this simple, yet profound thought. . .  “God has gifted me with the ability to do many things well, but He has created me to only do a few of those things NOW.”  I have taken a 2 year journey of finally discovering this simple fact.  God has made me a great multi-tasker.  I have taken pride in that for too long and I have had my hands in many things.  It seems to many as if I can “do it all.”  But I can’t.  Not well. I see it all to clearly today as I sit here and write.  And so for me. . .I have “resolved” that in 2009 I must slow down and focus on the things God considers important - what God is calling me to today, and what he is not.  Today I have discovered a peace that it is okay if I juggle only 3 balls instead of 8 or 10.  It’s okay to say “no.”  It is more important to do a few things well than a lot of things just so so.  And God really wants me to relax a little - enjoy life - savor the journey. . .for there is undoubtedly a time in the future for me to use each gift he has given.  Just not at the same time - and not today.

So in 2009 I am letting some things go.  It’s tough.  And yet at the same time it is so refreshing.

Psalm 39
4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath.”
Show me, God, my life’s end. Show me the number of my days. Show me how fleeting my life is.

I hope you have had a chance to ponder your new year and I hope God has spoken into your journey. . .what resolutions have you made?
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posted by Amy Colón
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