goals surrendered

It’s past the middle of January.

We’ve had a good three plus weeks to work on those resolutions. Over 26 days. Many hours. Maybe you’re right on track with those goals for 2011. Or maybe, just maybe, you’re like me and haven’t been perfect with those new resolutions. Or you stopped.

That’s okay.

Life isn’t about a one time commitment to change something. Developing a new habit involves persistence and constant diligence. Oh yeah, and faith. Faith? Yes, faith. Because deep down we need to begin to replace the doubts that we can do something with the new belief and mindset that we will accomplish those goals. And that involves picking up and trying again. And again. And again.

Even if your three year old is crabby.

Or the laundry is piled high.

Or dinner consists of pbj sandwiches with the peanut butter put on first.

The great thing about life is that we don’t have a one shot chance. There’s no reward for being the first mom ever to ALWAYS have her laundry caught up and symmetrically folded in color-coded stacks. If that’s your goal, and you’re good at that then by all means pursue it with excellence. If you’re like me and simply getting the laundry folded is a noble goal than work towards that. But don’t compare. My goals and word and resolutions are different than yours — as they should be.

What do we share? A promise. The truth that in all things and all circumstances that we can have strength. Friends, the Apostle Paul doesn’t promise that in ONLY the good times or ONLY the bad times we can have the strength of the Father — rather he states that in ALL times. So yes, it’s okay to pray throughout the day asking for the Father to strengthen you — even if it’s just folding that never ending laundry.

Those goals? Maybe they’ll take all year to accomplish. Maybe they’ll take a lifetime to accomplish. Or maybe just a day. Whatever the time line don’t do it alone. Surrender that list again. Real strength doesn’t only come from self —  it comes from a self surrendered to a loving Father above.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13