As the year winds down, we usually take a quick inventory reflecting on our lives to see where there is room for improvement. With pen in hand we quickly make resolutions to reach some “ideal” in the New Year.
Society, also dumps a burden on us to “better ourselves” with resolve, as we are bombarded with the high expectations from our culture. Magazines, conversations, and advertisements all focus on the high stakes of expectations.
We are flooded with the coveted prize of the “perfect family”, the “man of my dreams”, the “gifted child”, or the “ideal weight”.
We all want to improve but what happens if we don’t lose those 10 pounds, or our child is less than perfect, or we miss the mark of that daily exercise routine?
In reality, false expectations can get us in big trouble. Looking for the “ideal” can break our hearts and kill our hope. Not to mention the pangs of guilt.
We all have had the feeling of dashed hope and shattered expectations. No matter what area of life we look at, we all have the experience of having reality fall short of certain expectations. Sometimes they fall so short that we may feel abandoned or betrayed. We may call out, “God, where are you?”
God never promised to keep us out of pain or adversity. But we know that Spirit has a “plan” and will see us through our doubt.
So as we make our way into this New Year let’s remember these 3 sure fire ways to find peace and happiness in 2015.
Let’s never lose faith, knowing that all is going as intended.
Let’s give thanks for the richness and splendor of our lives, rejoicing that God will carry us through this year with Divine Guidance.
Above all, relax in the Lord.
There’s an old Swedish proverb that helps us ease our way into this New Year:
“Fear less, hope more; eat less, chew more; whine less, breathe more; talk less, say more; hate less, love more; and all good things are yours.
Remember this tip: You are Divinely guided, guarded, and gifted.
Happy New Year!
What special intent will you take into January? Please share below.