The Choice is Yours…

 

I have always loved the idea of a new year. It’s a chance to reevlauate who you are, where you’ve been, and determine once again where you want to be. It’s a time to look back and accept all the things in your past that led you to exactly where you are; while at the same time, looking forward and expecting even more from this new season of life. The new year represents a new start, a new opportunity for growth, and a chance to learn from the past and go on towards the future.

I hate the thought of looking back at a whole year and not seeing that I’ve made any progress at all; therefore, I set goals for myself. They normally result in a list of resolutions meant to motivate me to do certain tasks or accomplish a project to better myself. Although, more often then not, my goals are too high and are never actually fulfilled. So this year I’m not making resolutions or goals that I know I won’t achieve, instead I am going to abide by this theory that the greatest gift we have been given is the gift of choice.

As I prayed about this next year and what God wanted from me, I couldn’t stop thinking about this quote my professor shared with my leadership class…

“The Greatest Wealth in Life is Choice.”   – Anonymous

This idea that each of us have control over our own lives and we have the power to choose how they go. I get to choose my beliefs, my thoughts, my relationships, my actions… too often we blame outside circumstances for our own shortcomings or lack of discipline. While we are often affected by things out of our control, trust me of this I know, what we can control is our response. When life throws me a curveball I get to choose how to react and who to turn to. When life is out of control, I choose to trust on the One who is in control, who isn’t surprised by anything and can accomplish the impossible- I choose to trust in God.

So this year, I am choosing to be different. I am choosing to actively evaluate my thoughts, actions, and behaviors in order to be a better friend, student, leader, worker, and daughter. I am choosing to make changes in my life and trust in God to fix what I cannot. I’m choosing to be a better me, and I hope you’ll do the same. As you look towards this new year, I pray that you will realize the power you have over your life and choose to be the very best you. Whether that’s choosing to believe in a God that provides a life of hope and joy, or choosing to finally take the leap of faith and pursue what He is calling you to pursue- Whatever place you’re in, I challenge you look at who you are and where you want to go, then start taking the steps to get there. If we do this, I have no doubt we’ll be better off this time next year. Happy New Year everyone, I pray 2011 is your best year yet!