2019 is Coming In Hot

Judah got a hover board for Christmas. He jumped on and took off like he had been doing it since leaving the womb. The way he glides through doorways and spins in circles makes everyone watching want to jump on. Throughout Christmas day kids and adults alike succumbed to the goading in our heads–you know the one that says you are super athletic and have great balance. As I watched, I realized that there are three different types of people. The first person is the one like Judah. The board is like a natural extension of his feet. These people are rare. The second is the one who unwittingly jumps on full speed ahead. This person has no doubt about his ability to master the board immediately. It looks fun and easy. Everyone can do this, right? HA! I saw no less than 3 full-grown adults spastically flailing about before an untimely demise right before my eyes. It was hilarious, and I wish I had been videoing. The third type of hover boarder is the one who watches the first ones’ humiliation and knows better. That was me. Judah coached me before the maiden voyage. He held my hand and guided me through step by step. I slowly made my way around the living room without falling. Boom. I felt like a rock star upon dismount.

These different approaches to the hover board made me think about 2019. After all, the strategy (or lack thereof) people choose in riding the board is generally the same way they approach life in general. So, Am I gliding into the new year with goals and plans in place? Nope. Not yet. Am I full steam ahead without any kind of direction or aim in mind? Not exactly. Or am I a bit hesitant? Cautious? Unsure?

That last one, that’s me. I have thought a great deal about where I would like to see myself eventually land. I’ve even sat down a couple of times with the intention of setting some goals and making a plan. But every time, I ended up with a blank page.

I decided this morning that instead of looking forward I would sit and reflect upon 2018. I didn’t get very far. Since having kids it seems that I have been transported into that Adam Sandler movie Click. Time is passing, and sometimes I feel like I am getting left behind. Whole entire memories are gone from my brain. What did we do last New Years? Where did we stay on vacation? Did I remember to pay that bill? Is Dru 12 or 13? What did we have for dinner last night? Seriously, people . . . last night. Oh wait, I ate Mexican. That one is still there. Well, just give it a minute. I looked back in the journal I have used during 2018 and from January to June there are about 5 pages. Really. What happened during that period of time? I honestly have no idea. June to December I get a pretty good play by play. So, I guess I will start there. Here are the biggies: 1. A group of women began meeting in my home. 2. I began writing more consistently which eventually led to this blog. 3. I committed to exercising 5 days a week. Now, I know that this is only 3 seemingly inconsequential things. It’s not like I wrote a book and sold a million copies or began some great speaking tour. To most people, these “accomplishments ” are small. To me, they point to something bigger. They represent big change in my life.

I stepped out of my fear of rejection and failure and other people’s opinions and said yes to the small nudges from God.

And there it is. The “Aha” moment! My aim comes into focus crystal clear. I can see the bulls eye. 2019: Say YES to the Holy Spirit’s whispers. Every. Single. Time. Not just on Wednesday’s or Sunday’s or when I feel good or brave. We never feel brave. We just choose to be.

So, now I have a destination. And the plan falls right into place without me even having to consider the how. I know exactly how to see this happen. It happens when I seek God. CONSISTENTLY. PERSISTENTLY. When I am all in for Jesus, yes isn’t so hard and scary, and it’s not such a great leap.

I will continue to stare down my demons in 2019. Each time I post on this blog or put on my workout clothes or serve my fellow man, I will burst through the wall that says I can’t. I commit to saying yes to the Holy Spirit. I will not do this perfectly. There is only one perfect One. But, I will try. And when my imperfections shine through I will lean into Jesus and remember that He alone is my righteousness.