'I've decided to re-start 2016 on February 1.'
I read this quote the other day on social media and it made me smile as we often go into the New Year with the best intentions and yet somehow many of us break our resolutions or goals within the first month!
Thankfully, as believers, God gives us a fresh start each and every day. Lamentations chapter 3, verse 23 states: 'Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.'
However I think it is still good to think about what you might like to achieve in this New Year, to write some goals, pray and ponder, hope and dream. And if this isn't for you, perhaps coming up with just one word might appeal to you.
A Sibling Tradition
For the past 15 years or so my sisters, brother and I have caught up and asked each other, 'What's your word for the year?'
It is a word we want the year to reflect, a word we all think and pray about for a while and a word that encapsulates what we want to aim for throughout the year.
Past examples have included; adventure, discovery, travel, growth, education and fun. It isn't anything too serious but rather a chance to have a think about what kind of year we would like to have.
Over the years our tradition has spread as we have all met our partners and friends from near and far. It is quite fun to hear what each other's words are and every so often throughout the year I like to ask our friends and family if we are living out our words.
Reaching our Potential
During this summer I was on a week's holiday with my husband and son and I went for an early morning walk. I was talking with God and enjoying the early morning sun on my skin and watching the surfers catch waves. I had a thought: what our world would be like if we were all living out our God-given potential?
God has given us all gifts and abilities, talents and unique personalities, and yet we often limit ourselves or live in fear.
So when it came to thinking of my 'word' for 2016 I decided it was going to be Potential. In and through Him I desire to reach my full potential in all areas including; physical, mental and spiritual.
I am sharing my word for the year in the hopes that it may encourage you to either think of a word that you would like your year to be or encourage you to see how amazing you are, that with Christ you have so much potential.
Ephesians chapter 2, verse 10 says:
'For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.'
I pray 2016 is a blessed one for you and that you walk with God's favour and know how deep His love is for you.
Jo Fuller is an early childhood teacher with degrees in journalism and education. She currently lives on the Sunshine Coast with her husband and toddler son.
Jo Fuller's archive of articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jo-fuller.html