I've never been one for New Year's resolutions, but I feel like this year presents a fairly rare opportunity. The fact that January 1, 2023, is the first day of the week, month, and year calls for a collective resolution.
Galatians 5:14 charges us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Unfortunately for people like me and the majority of my inner circle, we don't often remember to do that. We have long forgotten how to honor ourselves in answering this charge. We are all our own greatest critics, picking apart what we've done vs. what we feel could have been done given our talent, intelligence, determination, and a million other things. We have forgotten how to extend ourselves the same level of grace and understanding that we give to others.
If someone in our life makes an earnest effort to accomplish something that turns out great, albeit unexpected or short of goal, we are swift to praise them with all the love that we have, but we pummel ourselves when facing the same. Let's all resolve to put this to an end.
Yesterday during our final brunch of the year, my best friend gave me a special planner that God instructed her could only ever be used for sake of self-love and my sound mental health. I cannot put anything into this planner that has anything to do with work or anything that might stress me out. It is to serve as a constant visual reminder to pour as much into myself at least monthly, as I pour into others daily.
Both she and God know how much I need this as a physical
reminder that can literally stare me in the face from the mount, I gave it in
the corner of my desk.
You may not have a constant physical reminder, and you honestly may not even need one, but do us all a favor, as you set forth on your New Year's resolutions, add this one to your list
Remember that you cannot pour from an empty vessel. In order to have enough to give others, you must save enough for yourself.
So, when you set those hard-to-reach targets like massive weight loss goals and savings targets for this week/month/year, know that not every goal will be reached when you planned it, but God's timing is perfect. He will bring all things to pass just as He has designed them whether you like it or not.
Until that happens, love yourself so that you'll have what you need to love others. That is the ultimate goal of His design.
May this new year find you all in good spirits, great health, and one day closer to pure happiness.
God Bless! Welcome to 2023!
