Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008

Hard to believe another year has rolled on by, and I find myself staring at a brand new year as I would a blank canvas. Wondering what the picture will look like. Amazed and awed at the awareness of God continuing to work in my life, to fashion me into the image of his Son. Knowing that I literally bring nothing to the work except my own availability.

Last year, in lieu of a pile of resolutions, I opted to make some commitments to growth in just four areas, adopted from Luke 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Before I move ahead with thoughts about the coming year, it's time to look back, as I've done often this past year, in review:

Wisdom (Mental) My goal last year was to figure out some direction with regards to my degree. While my Bachelor's degree is respectable enough, unfortunately it being from an unaccredited college, it's nothing I can really build upon towards a Master's degree or move towards certification of some kind in the educational field without starting from scratch. And at 43, do I really want to start from scratch? Nah, not really. Slowly but surely, I think I've come to a point of acceptance about this and it's helping me be open to direction in other areas of potential. A continual area of prayer and discernment!

Stature (Physical) Desiring to maintain an active lifestyle and realizing that I only get one body in this life (duh!), I think I made some strides last year in this area. I hooked up with a friend who is an avid bike rider (not to mention hiker, cross-country ski buff and all-around outdoors nut) and hope to continue enjoying this kind of activity in the coming year.

Favor with God (Spiritual) I think I really started to "get" some things about my relationship with God last year. This is one area where starting from scratch was not a bad thing. Among other things, the concept of grace became very real and exciting to me. I'm realizing that, while I need to continue growing and living into God's love, God's love for me is already complete and perfect. There's nothing I can do to warrant any more of his love. God's love has become an awesome wellspring of life in which I desire to more fully abide.

Favor with Man (Relational) At some point in 2006, God began showing me that he did not intend for me to walk this journey alone. Humanly speaking, that'd be my preference. Alone and private is so much more predictable and controllable - or so I thought. Last year he brought some wonderful friends into my life who've helped me to realize that indeed, two are better than one. I've seen the seeds of community and connection begin to take root in my heart. And for that, I am deeply grateful. And I'm abundantly thankful for this place in blogland where I'm able and learning to be increasingly open, for friends to share in the journey!

Tomorrow - New Year's Resolutions 2008 Word for the Year!

9 comments:

Ginger said...

I love the new template...and the ability to comment. Just a note to send wishes for a happy new year and many blessings, and to say thanks for the thoughtful, inspirational writing at your blog.

Tami said...

Whoa, you've been busy, Dianne! I've gotta give it up for enabling your comments again. May it encourage you.

I too, sit and wonder what is ahead for a new year. I love how you "organized" last year for yourself. Basing the changes we need to make on scripture is invaluable.

Have a terrific New Year, my friend. I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts.

Unknown said...

Look! Comments! And I am not doing too much commenting ANYWHERE as you can see from my blog.

Happy New Year! And what a great post. You always make me think in the best ways. You challenge me in the most important things.

Thanks!

Debbie said...

I love the new look! It's definitely "you". And I'm glad you enabled the comments again. You inspire me in so many ways. Thanks, sis.

Katrina @ Callapidder Days said...

Hooray! Comments! And a new look that suits you so well! Love it!

It was good to read your review of 2007. In so many ways, I feel like I was revving in neutral in 2007 and it was encouraging (and motivating) to read about your areas of progress. Looking forward to all you'll share in 2008!

Dionna said...

Yay! We can comment again! :) Love the verse and new look.
Your goals and strides from the past year are so beautiful and heartfelt. I can relate to some of them and think they are very worthy and valuable goals.

Kelly said...

Great approach to the new year and love your new design! I am impressed!

Unknown said...

Yea!! Comments!!!!

I love your goal categories here. I do always have spiritual, relational, and physical goals as well. I had never thought of how nicely it lined up with scripture.

gail@more than a song said...

Happy New Year Diannne! I LOVE your new design, and comments, yay! I've been very bad lately to read blogs more in google reader than actually visit them...I'm glad I stopped by! I have lots of time to blog surf now, my blog is down and we're waiting on Stacy's hubby to hopefully get it going again.