Endings

Wrapping things up is hard. Because of our calendar, Christmas seems like an ending, but Christmas itslef was really a beginning. It was a beginning of all the things gone wrong being righted. I want to look at the end of this year like that. It's a reminder of new beginnigs and that God's mercy is in fact new every morning.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

    his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

    great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 22&23

His mercy never ends. I want to direct my eyes to it, to acknowledge and choose it.

I can easily look at the end of this year with an evaluation mindset. It's often my default to look for adjustments. I can get caught up in how to do things better. Instead, these next few days I'd like to celebrate some things I did right. I'd like to take time as I age to appreciate who I am becoming.

Those of you who think this is a prideful excercise, maybe you don't have to participate. For my Enneagram 1 self, this will be a really healthy step.

There will be time for setting of goals and fresh vision, next week is all about that. Let's take a moment to celebrate growth and acknowledge things we did well. (I am counting things that may not have been perfect but showed progress.) I may even count times that I said "No" to dessert, which will not get me far.

Make a list of ten things that you accomplished or areas you saw growth. I will give you a sample of my list.

1. Launched my first child off to college. (and did not end up on any medication)

2. I started acknowledging that my children are not under my control and began really trusting them to God. (Read: Am learning to stop and pray before trying manipulate circumstances in their lives)

3. Identified people pleasing traits. ( a good start )

4. I launched a Bible study including video material into the world. I have a front row seat to watch God use it.

5. I started exercising socially, combining my passions of fitness and talking.

I challenge you to start your list now. It doesn't have to be complete, but start it today. Really reflect on this and choose to celebrate growth in your life. God is the one who brings fruit, so as we acknowledge our growth...parise Him.