This go around I am challenging myself to check some old habits at the door of twenth century! I am not going for huge momentous changes, just want to pause for the subtle ones so that they do not trip me up!
Appreciate more! Yep, offer the love of God to everyone and a lot more often! Now don’t get me wrong, I am a grateful person but I can have "those" moments. I have read that when we are in nature we appreciate the way all the plants are growing. A person doesn’t criticize a small plant because it grew beneath a big bush and didn’t get the light or the food it needed. We just accept its stature. They say that when it comes to humans we can sometimes lose that focus. For some reason judgement can creep into our minds. I want to focus and appreciate more!
Get rid of what trips me up! I am not a hoarder but I do have a few too many piles. Some authors state that decluttering helps calm your daily life. The authors write that clutter isn’t just about tangible items. Clutter can be old thoughts that keep ruminating. If I declutter then I will have less things to trip over (both literally and figuratively)!
Check negative at the door! Sometimes I don’t realize how checking my social media can change my mood. I want to make a conscience effort not to let the negative noise affect me. I need to remember that there is no perfect life, no perfect job, no perfect childhood, no perfect marriage, and no perfect set of people who will always do what we expect. I have to focus on what I do have. I have a God that is able to lead me through this imperfect life with unfailing strength, infinite wisdom and extravagant love.
Practice the pause! Toby Mac wrote that it’s important to practice “the pause.” This “pause” can slow a person down and help them reflect at important moments in their life. I need to practice the pause when I am in doubt (pause), angry (pause), tired (pause), stressed (pause), and most importantly when I pray (PAUSE, yes really pause here). This is a pause that will give me strength in many new moments of the new decade.
When I look to the excitement of the new decade I want to appreciate, declutter, check negative thinking and .....p.a.u.s.e.....! Let us all fully embrace and appreciate the grace that has been freely given to everyone! And let us not trip over what's behind us.