New Year, New Goals

New Years Day brings a measure of excitement for its clean slate to start another year – new year, new goals. New Years Resolutions are met with optimism and sometimes detailed plans. Some plans succeed, others give way to more pressing things. It’s inspiring to look back and see where our goals have been met by determination and commitment.

For me, Christmas went by way too fast this year. I tried to savor all of it, the walks in the neighborhood to look at lights and decorations, the Christmas movies, the music.

I have a new job at a Christian school, and they know how to celebrate Jesus there! We put on a Christmas program with the whole school, and it was the most beautiful expression of celebration for all Jesus has done for us I have been a part of in a long time! They prioritized what matters most. I loved every single bit of it.

Now, a new year is ahead of us and I try to put together some goals. I lack the clarity to see what those might be this year. There’s the usual: less spending, more saving; cook more creatively and eat healthier; get back into this hobby or that. But none of it speaks to me as in years past.

So I wait for inspiration, direction. I have a ton of things I want to do, but I have not the urgency I need to prioritize them or to dive in.

As I ponder this (because it’s strange for me to not be ready to start some big project) I understand something: Historically my goals (though creative and productive) are my goals, things I want for my life. I realize this and think that to serve others is what I need to write down first on my list.

Goals and projects are wonderful, and productivity is my favorite. But if to serve is my first goal, I’ll be less “interrupted” when the opportunity arises. This seems obvious, but it is a shift for me.

I am protective of my time. I don’t mean to say that’s a bad thing, but I am okay to use up my time on things that are important to me. May that be to serve others in the love and life of Jesus.

There was a popular kids song when I was a little girl “Make Me a Servant”. I loved it so much! I will hum that this New Year and pray for the grace to have a heart willing to be a servant first.