As we head into another year I thought it would be good for me to reflect on this past year. What went well? What didn't? How can I improve my relationship with God and others?
We had houseguests for the entire year and the additional people and personalities really tested my patience. I know that I didn't always react with grace and mercy so I know that is something I need to work on this year.
My ability to accept things that I can not change was definitely challenged as well. Changing people is not my job, so this year I need to concentrate on turning to prayer and letting God do His work in others because it isn't up to me.
My ability to start a task and take it to completion this last year was tested. It seemed I lost my focus and drive, so this year I want to work on completing the many projects I have started and to be more productive with my time.
I must say that last year my quiet and devotional time was pretty consistent, although I didn't always put in to practice what I read or learned each day. So, this year I would like to improve my quiet time by focusing on scripture, devotions and prayer and incorporating it into action each day.
This past year was a blessing as I got to know my sister and nieces better and it taught me some things about myself I'm not too proud of. I do know that we have a loving and forgiving Father, so this year I want to get to know Him better! We are thankful we were able to share our house and offer help where needed and that our spirit of giving never faded.
I also started going to Andre House where our church supports feeding the homeless once each month and I hope to continue that through this next year. Our church is also building another Habitat House and we hope to participate with our church community once per month during Spring.
I want to stop counting the minutes of my life and instead make every minute count by spending more time with family, making sacrifices where necessary and continue encouraging others through leading the Women's Bible Study.
Hopefully, you will all take a look at last year and improve on the things you didn't do so well and rejoice in the things you did!
So as we roll into the first week of 2011, all I have to say is 'I'm ready for ya"!
