Recent Reflections - January 2019: Resolutions...

This is the first Recent Reflections post of 2019.  Recent Reflections goes live the third Friday or Saturday of each month.  Each Recent Reflections post covers something that I'm reflecting on.  If you'd like to share a post with a similar theme, feel free to leave a comment with a link to your post, and I'll hop on over and leave a comment (and maybe some other readers will, too).

This month, I will be reflecting on resolutions.

"The first step on the way to victory is to recognize the enemy." - Corrie ten Boom

I am not really one to make official New Year's Resolutions, but I am one who constantly seeks to change for the better.  In that sense, you could say that I make resolutions at various points throughout the entire year.  I think most people are this way, honestly, and I got thinking about why we, as a whole, find ourselves making the same resolutions, striving to meet the same goals, etc. over and over again.  I think the answer lies in not knowing our enemy.

I think we downplay the truth in our struggles because it is embarrassing to face facts.  I know that's true in my life.  I am ok with admitting I am overweight, but struggle to admit just how much, and I definitely let myself think that some eating habits are ok that really aren't for me (like eating more sugar than I know is good for me or eating two slices of toast when one will do and justifying that it will be "just this once" when I know it won't be).  I think we try and fail at budgeting because we just don't like to tell ourselves no when we really want something or justify buying this or that because it was "only $25" even though it didn't fit into our budget.  We justify our bad behaviors because we rationalize that they aren't that bad.  

Here's the problem:

As long as we justify the bad, we fail at doing the good.

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty tired of that cycle.

  

This year, I'd like to be honest with myself more.  That's really the only true resolution I am making.  Why?  Because I think honesty is the key to all success.  My enemy is my lack of honesty in facing my problems, and I'm ready to own that truth.  I'm ready to be blunt with myself and say things like, "You are eating because you're bored, not because you're hungry - walk away from the chocolate," or "You were unfair in that decision - go apologize," or "You haven't spent enough time in prayer - make time now," or "You haven't had any true exercise today - go get some!"  I am hopeful that being that honest with myself and making changes based on that honesty will start to make some big differences in my daily life for the better!

Are you facing the same enemy that I am?  Do you struggle with being honest with what your true problems are?  If so, know that I am praying for you.  If not, know that I am also praying for you.  We all need a cheerleader in our corner, and I am happy to be yours. :)  I want you to see God do marvelous things in your life this year, so that you can "...taste and see that the LORD is good..." (Psalm 34:8 KJV).

I truly hope this post has been a blessing to your heart, or at the least made you stop and think a little.  What has God done in your life lately to bless you?  What are you reflecting on?

Have a wonderful weekend!