Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. Psalm 25:12 ESV
Happy New Year!
Yesterday was about reflecting, which I think is so important. While it can be easy for us to spend too much time looking back, a little reflection is vital to helping us remember the goodness and faithfulness of God.
Today, though, is a great time to think about looking forward - just a bit - and about new beginnings. Planning can be so helpful! But we must hold onto those plans loosely, recognizing that when our plans don’t align with God’s plan, His way is ALWAYS better!
I mentioned yesterday that “content” was my 2024 “word of the year.” Truly the whole idea of choosing a word for the year is not a habit I intentionally subscribe to, and yet, here I am with a word for 2025.
While I was driving last week and doing some reflecting, a new goal came to mind, summed up in a single word: CHOOSE.
I tend to stay a little frustrated with myself when it comes to the matter of time management. I am often unfocused. I am easily distracted. My list of unfinished projects and my often untidy house will attest to these facts.
So as I was reflecting on how poorly I felt I did with last year’s goal of creating content, a simple realization illuminated: I CHOSE to do other things.
It’s really not that complicated, is it?
Life is absolutely full of choices. Some of them have obvious, serious ramifications. Others seem insignificant. And yet, the reality is that even those small, seemingly insignificant choices can have far-reaching effects.
I CHOOSE how I spend my time.
When I sit down on the couch, pull out my phone, and open an app - any app, really - I’ve made a choice. When I realize that I just wasted a hour scrolling reels rather than getting the kitchen cleaned, the bottom line is that I made that choice.
And I make a lot of pretty poor choices where my time is concerned!
In the time it takes me to play one round of a word game on my phone, I could send an encouraging text to someone. Instead of spending 45 minutes scrolling my phone when I get in bed at night, I could spend half an hour studying the lesson for the life group I lead on Sundays, and I’d still be able to get to sleep 15 minutes earlier. Plus I’d feel less stressed on Saturday evenings and better prepared on Sunday mornings.
I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with watching reels. And I do love word games and puzzles. I probably won’t be giving these things up completely. Really, I just want to walk with greater awareness of what I’m doing.
There are plenty of things in life over which I have zero control. But contrary to what I’ve allowed myself to believe, my time is not one of those things I actually have quite a bit of control in that area.
So my goal in the new year is to be more aware of what I CHOOSE to do with my time. I’m committing to try to CHOOSE better in this new year.
With the Lord’s help, I believe change is possible, and I’m so excited to see what He has in store for this year!
…Just a thought…
