So, here we are at the end of another year! Wow! I just got used to writing “2014” and it’s time to start another one. So, what are you doing this “tween” week? You know, the week between Christmas and the New Year?
Whether you have a few more days off this week or you are back at work, there is still something about this week that brings unique opportunities. May I suggest three? I’m going to share them with or without your permission, but I would love to have your blessing.
- Reflect. Take a few moments and think back through the past year. What stands out for you? For me, certainly number one is the birth of my granddaughter. A close second is celebrating 30 years of marriage to my Mrs. Sweetie. I also achieved some significant goals this year: the release of a new CD and a new book, receiving accreditation as a Life Coach through the International Coaching Federation (culmination of a 4 year process), launching of a new platform for my blog and resources, and launching a significant process to invest in equipping pastors. God has guided and provided in amazing ways.
- Respond. What is still in process for you? Our family lost our sweet Thingy (my step-mother) and our son’s father-in-law this year. We just went through our first holiday season without them and we will continue to make the necessary adjustments as significant moments remind us of them. There were also requests that came to me this year that I just couldn’t fit in, but they are still on the back burner. I need to determine if they move into the 2015 agenda and pray for God’s continued guidance to respond correctly to each new opportunity.
- Reload. I heard a few days ago three interesting facts. First, 25 percent of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions after one week. Second, 60 percent of people abandon them within six months. Third, the average person makes the same New Year’s resolution 10 ten separate times without success. I’ve been there, back in the days when I was still making those, but I stopped with them years ago. For the past few years, I have been focusing on a personal growth plan involving specific and significant goals with measurable steps. I also share that growth plan with an accountability team and report to them a couple of times a year. My growth plan includes spiritual goals, physical goals, social/emotional goals, mental/learning goals, and creativity/influence goals. I’m reloading and getting ready to “fire” into 2015.
So, I’ll ask again. What are you doing with this “tween” week? What do reflect, respond, and reload look like for you? Our lives matter so much to God that He does not intend for us simply to endure or survive. Your life is significant. You have purpose. If you are still breathing, God is not done with you.
Happy New Year!
