I stifled a laugh when I heard my husband discuss New Year’s resolutions during a recent sermon.

His message, based out of John 6, encouraged the hearer to focus on offering God all we have, rather than a list of self improvement projects.

What he didn’t realize is that I was in the midst of writing this post.

Our home, now a cluttered mess, whereas a week ago, it was filled with smells of baked goods and squeals of laughter. The feelings of Christmas permeated the emptiness.

I felt physically exhausted, however, I couldn’t help the mental task list that formed.

Control… I needed to gain a semblance of order.

Can anyone relate?

When it came to setting annual SMART goals at work, I was the girl who submitted them a few weeks before the deadline.

My type A, people-pleasing nature needed to ensure that I had plenty of time to make corrections… (You know, just in case they came up short.)

Same girl… much different circumstances.

My “differently-abled” life has thrown me for a loop when it comes to setting and achieving goals.

My inherent desire to check measurable objectives off a list has been suppressed for far too long.

With the dawn of the new year; out came my notepad, pen, and Bible as I began praying for God’s plan.

While I thrive on order, I’ve learned from experience the need to submit my desires before the Lord. Due to the unpredictable nature of my illness, God has directed me to hold plans loosely allowing Him to make adjustments along the way. (Proverbs 16:9)

The following guidelines began to form during my time with the Lord.

Perhaps this approach will spark something within you, regardless of your situation.

1. Be Intentional- Being mindful of my current situation allows me to name reasonable goals, without setting myself up for failure.

2. Set a Limit- Another way toward progress, is to limit the number of goals I aim to achieve. Rather than naming twenty objectives in various areas of life, I will select a limited number to narrow my focus.

3. Review and Revise- Make a plan to review my goals and stick to it. Life is unpredictable. By creating space for review and revision, I can adjust to meet my current needs.

   Set aside time each week or month to chart progress and make adjustments to eliminate the fear of failure.

   
   With these guidelines and Ryan’s recent sermon in mind, I asked the Lord to show me areas in which I needed to surrender.

   How could I essentially present my “lunch” before the Lord?

   He was quick to answer, revealing three areas of focused growth. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
   
   My prayer became, ‘O Father, make me holy through and through. May my whole mind, body, and spirit be kept blameless by your power…

   I trust you to do this because you are the one who has called me, and you are faithful. Your word says that you will do it!’

   Mind:

   To enhance my cognitive abilities, I plan to commit thirty minutes each day to research and writing.

   To safeguard against isolation and maintain my emotional well-being; I commit to connecting with two people, each week in person or via phone/social media.

   Body:

   To increase mobility and improve pain, I commit to movement and strength training.

   In addition, I commit to asking for help when my physical limitations have been exceeded.

   Spirit:

   To further expand my spiritual maturity, I will continue the, “As it Happened,” bible plan, to study scripture in chronological order.

   Finally, to encourage growth in my marriage, I will pray for and with my husband; sharing where I see God at work and seeking together His direction for our ministry.

   
   How do you tackle a new year, dear reader? Are you one to go all in on resolutions or take a wait and see approach?

   May we unite together in prayer, regardless of strategy, to take one step closer to God over the next twelve months.