Happy New Year! I have to be honest with all of you, I have never been so glad to see an old year end. 2023 was…well let’s just say it was an interesting year filled with a lot. I know many of you feel the same. As we talked and shared throughout the year, I discovered that we were all going through a lot of big stuff. Health issues, deaths, financial struggles, and so much more. So, I have a feeling and I could be wrong, that we are all hoping that 2024 is a great new year.
I do have a caution for all of us however. Sometimes we expect too much. Our expectations are unrealistic. We make resolutions that we can’t keep, or we think we will but if we were honest with ourselves, we know we won’t. We set ourselves up for failure from the very beginning. The biggest reason for this is that we don’t like change. And yet, when we keep doing things the same way and expect different outcomes, well…that is the definition of crazy. Or as we might say in the south, that is crazy in 72-point font. If we aren’t willing to change and do things differently, things will continue just as they have always been in our life.
This is the message Jesus brought as he began his ministry. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17. Repent is just another way to say “Change!” Turn around from the path you are on and go in a different direction, one that will lead to the results your heart desires.
This is true for anything you want to accomplish. Want to get your degree…first you have to enroll in school and then give up some activities for a while in order to have the time to study and get good grades, so you end up with your degree. Want to lose weight…first you have to change how you are eating and if you aren’t exercising, then you need to start. Walking is great and doesn’t cost anything. If you want to have a savings account…you need to change how you spend your money. Actually, you need to stop spending your money and you will see your savings account grow. And this is true for all things. If you want something…you have to change what needs changing in order to achieve your goals.
So, I hope you take some time for a little honest reflection as you decide what your goals for this year will be and then do the work to change what needs to be changed in order to achieve your goals. And check your unrealistic expectations at the door. They will only lead to frustration.
Happy New Year!
Peace,
Pastor Beth
Beth's Blog 