Disciplines

One of the things about the beginning of a new year is the opportunity to take a fresh look at my personal goals and priorities. I can do without the hype of New Year's Eve, or the traditional weight loss focus that January brings, and most certainly the list of resolutions that seem to spring forth on the first day of the year.

For me it's more about taking stock of where I am spending my time and attention, and taking stock of whether or not what I say my priorities are lines up with where I focus my time and effort and this year.

It's not acceptable to say that I'm too busy to spend time on the things that I feel are the gifts that God has given me. Rather, I need to get eliminate the chaff that steals my time and attention and takes away from time that I should be honing my skills. I am not the best writer in the world, I am not even in the top one thousand, but I do have some skill and interest in that area. This year, more than ever, I am putting writing at the top of my list of things to focus on. I am going to be deliberate about carving time out of my days and weeks to hone my craft, and to work on writing projects.

I'm also going to try and focus more of my attention outward; this will be a challenge given that I'm by nature an introvert who is very comfortable with solitude. My focus outward may not look like what the next person's would but it will be suited for my unique personality and character. I tutor a little girl in reading once a week; it's satisfying to see the growth in her and to get to know her more each week. There's something more there that I can do, something for me to think about. There are other areas that I am involved with on the fringe that I will be praying about to find out if I need to step up my involvement.

I also want to spend more time with friends and family. Sometimes I cringe at the thought of socializing and would much rather stay home with a good book, but I'm most often glad that I put forth the effort when all is said and done. I will do more of that this year.

Finally, included with my list of goals and priorities will be something about not over-extending myself. I will take time to just "be Linda". After all, isn't that who God created me to be?