The past couple weeks I have reflected on the past year: the good, the bad, and the ugly, and have contemplated some things I’d like to work toward in 2018. The past few years I’ve had a word of the year that grounded me, that I reflected on, that I sought to learn more, and that challenged me often through some tough lessons. In the past my word has sort of chosen me, but in 2017 it just never really “stuck.”
2017 was good but tough...for our family it was a year of sacrifice: our time, our money, our relationships, our comfort, our pride. Most of our sacrifices had both positive and negative elements to them. At the end of the day, I have a loving husband and 5 beautiful children. We both have good jobs that allow us to provide for our family. Our God is sovereign over all, and I learn more each day how to live life with more grace, more patience, more humility, more love.
I’ve been pondering my word of the year for the past month or so but nothing was really standing out. I thought I’d settled on one word, but then I saw this article titled, “Don’t Waste Your Weaknesses.”
I’m sure it is based on John Piper’s book, Don’t Waste Your Life, which is a great read, by the way. But the paradox of not wasting one’s weaknesses is intriguing and worth exploring. The idea of having an entire year lends to the possibility that I can address many of my weaknesses 😳. Because I spend the year learning about my word, I can’t elaborate much more at this point, but I typically start with scripture and create a board on Pinterest 😊
Other goals I set for myself this year:
To invest more time on hobbies and less on social media by:
1. Blogging—I even updated our blog name now that we have more than “4 trees”
2. Reading— I’be always loved to read but have periods where I do it more than others. I still have a lot to learn so what better way than by something I enjoy anyway! I plan to keep a list, try to read more books out of my comfort zone ( like classics), and try to tackle the pile of books on my bedside table that have been piled there forever.
3. Learning to Crochet—I briefly researched the differences between knitting and crocheting and the latter seemed easier as a start. I just decided I needed a talent of some sort. I may hate it but I’ll give it this year to explore.
4. Getting involved in a Charity— I have an idea but will post more when I know more.
5. Planning a Family Trip— It is proving to be difficult to plan a vacation with elements of entertainment and relaxation for a family with 5 kids ranging from toddler to teenager.
I hope to update more on these things and the life lessons I learn along the way over the upcoming year.
Other goals I set for myself this year:
To invest more time on hobbies and less on social media by:
1. Blogging—I even updated our blog name now that we have more than “4 trees”
2. Reading— I’be always loved to read but have periods where I do it more than others. I still have a lot to learn so what better way than by something I enjoy anyway! I plan to keep a list, try to read more books out of my comfort zone ( like classics), and try to tackle the pile of books on my bedside table that have been piled there forever.
3. Learning to Crochet—I briefly researched the differences between knitting and crocheting and the latter seemed easier as a start. I just decided I needed a talent of some sort. I may hate it but I’ll give it this year to explore.
4. Getting involved in a Charity— I have an idea but will post more when I know more.
5. Planning a Family Trip— It is proving to be difficult to plan a vacation with elements of entertainment and relaxation for a family with 5 kids ranging from toddler to teenager.
I hope to update more on these things and the life lessons I learn along the way over the upcoming year.
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