Over dinner this week, I talked about the Bible study I’m a part of and how wonderful it is that the ladies are committed to the study and to their personal growth.  There are so many places in today’s world where the people in it just aren’t committed.  My husband and I both said at the same time, “Either commit or don’t commit”!  We laughed that we both had the same mind set but agreed how frustrating it is to see people not commit to important people or causes in their lives.  In other words, if you are going to do something, do it already!  Don’t say you are going to do something, as attend Bible study or cook dinner or take care of the bills or read to your children and then don’t do it. 

But I also know that for some of us, we really want to commit to something and finish well but are sideswiped by life.  Perhaps an illness or an accident happens, you lose your job, or you have to move to another house or location.  When these unexpected things happen, the only real anchor any of us have is Jesus.  We have to get back to square one, review our life and reset our priorities according to what He wants us to do in our life.  And then we ask Him for the strength to continue on in that commitment.  Perhaps at the beginning of this New Year we can re-commit to commitment.

Action Plan

1. Who is defining your priorities?  If you are trying to please someone other than God and your husband, you could be choosing the wrong things to have in your life.
2. Remember that “being” trumps “doing”.  In other words, Christ calls me to be His child, my husband’s wife, my daughter’s mom, and a servant to those He places in my life.  “Doing” things just to be a “good Christian woman” doesn’t work.
3. Understand that life is constantly changing.  As we start this New Year, some of the goals you have had in the past may not work this year.  God may be calling you to other paths.
4. Stay in constant communication with your Lord.  Only He can give you the truth for you and your life.  And then, commit to staying committed to the task He gives you.

Manna from Heaven

Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord.  Trust also in Him, and He will do it.  Psalm 37:4-5

Emotional Check-Up

One area that can help us stay with our commitments is if we are really passionate about something.  We all have something we’re passionate about and it’s never too late to pursue it.  What’s difficult is finding and identifying your passions.

1. Are you in a joyless or miserable job?  Since you are already in the wrong place, you will need to start looking in your memory for when you were happy and fulfilled.
2. Scan your memories for experiences that caused you to forget that time was passing.  These are your passion tracks.
3. Then look and see if you find any patterns in your life where you leaned toward these passions.  As an example, I fell in love with clay and sculpture as a child but wanted to paint.  I finally took the plunge and signed up for oil painting classes.  I feel so fulfilled knowing I am actually, finally painting!
4. Now, look at your schedule.  Are there activities in it that you really want to do and others not so much?  Start reducing the latter and start increasing the ones you like.
5. Remember that little steps will lead to big changes.  If you have a small baby, your opportunities for finding what your passion is should be centered on this season in your life.  I always wanted to write, but when my girls were little, I turned that passion to reading to them.  That turned out to be one of my greatest passions of all!  Then, when I had more time I had a background of wonderful books that helped me in my writing.
6. And never forget to pray and ask the Lord to lead you where He already knows you will blossom. 

Healthy Fit-Fact

Fatigue is probably one of main reasons we can’t stay committed to something or the ability to find our passions.  I personally really struggle with this and have found some tips that have helped:

1. Not enough sleep.  More than one-third of us nod off unintentionally during the day, says the CDC.
2. Other than lack of sleep, our energy levels can be low by emotional fatigue: being bored, or by having too much or too little to do.  “Fatigue often has more to do with the emotional than the physical,” says Sherrie Bourg Carter, Psy.D., co director of the Institute for Behavioral Sciences.
3. Find what brings you pleasure.  We always find the time and the energy to do the things we really want to do.  I sure can get up early to catch a plane for vacation!
4. So build activities you love into your life to help you with fatigue: get into sunlight at least once a day; move your body; take a nap; spend time with friends; stay away from people who pull you down; do activities that you really love to do; and don’t feel guilty to step back from the business of life to take the time to smell the roses.