5 Things to Consider Before You Enter the New Year

Before you start with those New Year’s resolutions, here are a few things to consider.  Perhaps just being aware of these five things will make your start a little easier.

1. Be aware that you are being bombarded with marketing. Did you know that 1 in 4 posts on Instagram is a sponsored ad? And if you are following blogs/stores/magazines/brands the number is likely higher. Facebook is about the same. 1 in 5. Check your feeds to see how much you are being marketed to.  Simply knowing this makes you a smarter consumer as you scroll.
2. Be aware of the amount of news you take in. You can experience burnout from news and I’ve found that knowing more news and watching the constant news cycle does not help me. It stresses me out.  Ask yourself, Do I need to know this? Can I do anything about this? Is this a good use of my time? If not, turn it off or limit it.
3. Be aware of the quality of people you surround yourself with. Don’t surround yourself with negative people and expect to be positive. He that walks with wise men will be wise. Choose to be with people you admire and want to become like and you’ll most likely rise to their level. Conversely, if you walk with undisciplined, unwise, negative people, you risk becoming like them.
4. Be aware of your limits and priorities. We need time in God’s Word in order to grow. Quiet time takes time. We need time to teach our children in order to obey the generational mandate to tell the next generation of the wonderful deeds of the Lord. Teaching takes time. We need time to disciple our children, and that also takes time. Here’s the no-brainer of the week, but in order to have a godly home, you must be godly, and this takes time in God’s Word to know His will and to commit to doing life His way. Do what it takes to get your life right with God and to make sure your spirit is in tune with His.
5. Be aware that you don’t need to do more. Isn’t it great that God doesn’t care so much about what we do, but about how we do it? If you have been quietly, faithfully serving God in your sphere, if you’ve been praying open-handed for His leading, if you’ve been called to serve in hidden, mundane ways, then your resolutions might not seem worthy of mention. (I had a friend ask me if I had any resolutions, and it’s always the same answer: to keep everyone afloat and on schedule. To be a life-giver and a godly example. To hold my schedule loosely so that God can lead where there is need, but firmly enough so we live disciplined, productive lives for His glory. Won’t find THAT resolution on the cover of any magazines, now, will you? 😉 )Faithfulness is its own reward, though. Keep being faithful, mamas. Keep serving the people God sends in and out of your doors, starting with your kids and husband first, then extending to your immediate sphere, your extended family, your neighbors, your church, etc…. Be a friend to those who need one. Point others to Christ. Be an example of truth and integrity. Walk worthy.