A New Year's Plan

As many of you know, I do not submit or adhere to New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I create annual axioms (catchy slogans that are easy to remember) to follow throughout the year, on a daily basis, to work on being a better person. This year was rather difficult to come up with an actual slogan, because 2013 (thirteen, in particular) is hard to rhyme with. Thus, I do not have a typical catchy New Year’s motto...

However, do not fret – because God has planted within me a PLAN for 2013. Anybody who wishes to jump aboard like last year, I am delighted that you are with us! As I resorted to the internet, feverishly searching for this year’s motto, God graciously lead me to a wonderful poem that sums up this year’s plan. I cannot state this plan any more perfectly than what has already been written by Mary Fairchild (author).

“This year, my New Year's plan is simply to resolve each day to give the Lord Jesus my all in all. Inspired by the intention, I wrote this poem” (Fairchild, 2013).

A New Year's Plan

I tried to think of a clever new phrase—
A slogan to inspire the next 365 days,
A motto to live by this coming new year,
But the catchy words fell flat to my ear.

And then I heard His still small voice
Saying, "Consider this simple, daily choice:
With each new dawn and close of day
Make new your resolve to trust and obey."

"Don't look back caught in regret
Or dwell on the sorrow of dreams unmet;
Don't stare forward anchored by fear,
No, live in this moment, for I am here."

"I am all you need. Everything. I Am.
You are held secure by my strong hand.
Give me this one thing—your all in all;
Into my grace, let yourself fall."

So, at last I'm ready; I see the way.
It's to daily follow, trust, and obey.
I enter the new year armed with a plan,
To give him my everything. All that I am.
(Fairchild, 2013).

Starting now, I'm challenging myself (and you) to make a simple, fresh commitment to following the Lord step by step… and day by day, giving him my (your) all in all. Not a dreary existence of following rules, but the True Christian obedience which flows from a heart of gratitude for the grace we have received from the Lord. Our motivation to trust and obey is love, springing from the relationship we have with Him… Spend time with God, listen to His voice, consider His Word, and then share in the adventure He has planned for us each day (Fairchild, 2013).

I hope you get as much out of this as I did, and join me on my journey through 2013. May God continue to lead, protect and bless you as He watches over you.

Happy journey to you all!

Reference:
Fairchild, M. (2013). 2013 New Year's Plan: All That I Am. Retrieved from http://christianity.about.com/b/2013/01/01/2013-new-years-plan-all-that-...