I don't make New Year's resolutions. I make goals. (Who am I kidding? It's semantics, they're resolutions.)
One was to pick up writing again.
I started off the year on a hot streak. I submitted two articles within days of the new year.
And then, life happened.
Isn't that always the way? "I'm going to start Monday" or "The year's almost over, I'll start January 1" or "School's winding down/ gearing up"...."I'll start then."
I could wait I guess for a 'better time' to start my New Year "Goals." But April 21 is as good a time as any.
So, here we are. Two years and a month since the last post when I said, "I'm going to start back writing this blog."
Only, this time, it's different.
It's different this time because I've learned a valuable lesson and the absolute necessity in having accountability.
But first of all, I've learned when I try to do things in my own power, I fail miserably and berate myself for ever trying. So, I've learned that if I want to do anything in life, it has to be God-focused, not me-focused. (You'd think I'd learn this by now and it would stick. I'm so thankful that God is long-suffering. Can I get an amen?)
Second, I've learned that now is the perfect time. Now is the perfect time to drink more water after downing two sodas. Now is the perfect time to go for a walk or YouTube a workout video and get moving. Now is the perfect time to call a friend I haven't talked to in six months/years/decades......
Third, not only can I not achieve any goal without God, I also need the accountability of others. So, I've learned to surround myself with folks who won't give me a by when I've been slack or when I want to be slack. They don't accept excuses. They breathe grace over me when I do and lovingly help me get back on track.
So that's the difference this time- what I do is God-focused and for His glory, now is the perfect time to work on a dream, and He didn't make us to do life alone, He gave us people to love, support, encourage, and sharpen us along the way.
I, like countless others, have claimed Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
I know it.
Now I'm going to do it. April 21, 2015, is as good a time as any.
