The Beginning of 2012

Happy New Year!  I really can't believe that we will start writing 2012.  I remember when they all predicted the world was going to end when we rolled from 1999 to 2000.  Where do the years go?

We just got back from a week vacation with the Morgan Family on Whidbey Island.  We stayed in a beautiful home that had an incredible view of the water and mountains.  What a fun way to bring in the new year! 

I'm not one for "resolutions."  I think I've tried before, only to feel like I failed when I look back and see what I didn't accomplish.  As with most of those that make resolutions, I think.

I always look forward to the New Year, though, as it seems to bring a fresh start to life. 

So often, I think of all that I need to accomplish in a year/month/week/day, and make my lists accordingly.  I get excited as I "check things off" the list.  One by one, the tasks diminish, until my page is all scratched off.

Then I start a new one.

Sometimes my projects and tasks never do get crossed off.  Sometimes, I just rip the page out, and add those projects that didn't get marked off to my "new" list.

Am I the only one that does this?!

Like I said, it can get easy to get lost in the list, tasks and projects for the day.

Instead, can I pause and remember the One who gave me the ability to...

wash the dishes
clean the bathroom
change a diaper
make a lunch
pick up toys
manage our finances
take care of our home
tend to the yard
pick up toys
make meals
call friends and family
teach lessons
encourage my husband
did I mention pick up toys? :)

...and realize that He doesn't ask me to make a list so I can check it off. 

He asks me to bring Glory to Him as I go throughout each task, praising Him for the ability to do what I can with the time, talents and treasures He has given me.

I pray I will do a better job of keeping this mindset this coming year.  It is hard, as the pace of life continues to pick up speed, trying to rob us of the joys that each moment brings. 

I'm sure I will continue to make my "lists."  But maybe I can have a different perspective.

Be still.  Stop and listen.  You just might hear a voice saying, "well done, my good and faithful servant," rather then the nagging voice of "how come you couldn't get that done?!"

Here is to a simpler 2012!