We have already experienced 21 days of 2011, but I don't think it's too late to talk about goals for the new year! I've always been a goal-setter and list-maker, finding great satisfaction in achievement and completion of desired tasks. So, it is no surprise that I decided to write some New Year's Resolutions for this year.
On the (very) long plane ride back to Germany earlier this month, I tapped out about 35 goals on my ipod touch. These included...
-- hospitality (inviting new friends and long-time BFA staff members into our home)
-- reflection (analyzing student needs and assessing how to meet them)
-- connection (continued accountability and fellowship with like-minded believers here in Germany)
-- communication (continued contact with friends and family in the States)
-- devoted prayer (for family and friends around the world, for my students, for BFA, for my neighbors)
It really was a great list. I thought. And then, it happened. While I was doing a New year's goal activity with my small group girls, I accidentally pressed "delete." With no "undo" option on the ipod, my well-crafted list was gone forever! The first thing I heard come out of my mouth was this: "Well, I guess God didn't want me to have those resolutions!"
I was reminded of this important lesson: As much as I plan and put pressure on myself, God is ultimately in control. While the goals still remain at the forefront of my mind, I believe that surrender is far greater.
I can't think of a better way to start 2011.
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