Last year I learned to not beat myself up about the things I didn’t accomplish or complete as fast as I had planned.
It’s so easy to make a plan, but execution is the one that usually stops us in our tracks. I also discovered I can make all the plans and goals I want, do my best to attain them, and then something comes along to quickly change those intentions.
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
Proverbs 19:21
For instance, last year I made a goal to at least go on two hikes. Sounds simple and attainable, right? In 2022, I did at least two or three from what I remember! Well, I did set time aside in my planner to go on two hikes in 2023. Weather crashed the party one time. Sickness changed the plans to Netflix. A new fun problem called plantar fasciitis this past year threw best laid plans off the track for a while too. Before I knew it, 2023 was closing out, and my chances for two very simple and attainable hikes dwindled down to nothing.
I really don’t like leaving things unchecked on my to-do list. But there I was reviewing my year-end goals and that item was glaring at me. Instead of feeling like I failed, I was prompted to look back at each month in review at the things I did accomplish. Usually I like to skip the year in review and just see how things end, but upon looking back I admired the things God brought to my life and the moments He blessed me with this past year.
Although the hikes did not happen, so much more did than I could ever have imagined for last year. Even the goals that did get crossed off unfolded in a way I did not expect.
“The heart of man plans his way but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9
My planned out exercise programs did not go as expected, but they weren’t a complete wash either. Some months were more consistent than others than I would have liked year-round. On the positive side, I used to never workout early in the morning before work, and I did it the most this past year than I have in my entire life. I’ll count it as a win, and I’ve kept it as a goal this year.
Another perspective I gained was that my workouts don’t always look the same or have to be the same. This goal in 2023 was made with the intention of lifting at the gym, but some days it was working out at volleyball practice, or cardio sessions in my garage, or walking the dogs. It reminded me to not close my mind off to other options because otherwise I would not have experienced moments God laid before me. I fellowshipped at volleyball, I spent quality time with my mom through cardio exercises, and of course my dogs were the best part of those walks. The beautiful sunsets and sunrises I experienced just by executing this goal was yet another sweet surprise.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
My goal to post a blog post each month was met. Some months were against the wire and I posted on the very last day possible, but I did it. I actually ended up with thirteen posts last year! I didn’t want to post blogs just to post either. I waited until God gave me something to write about, and through that I learned He comes through. Always! His plans have always been better, and the outcomes so much sweeter than my little mind could dream.
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
Proverbs 21: 5
Another goal for last year was to read two books each month. Well, I definitely didn’t always read two a month. Sometimes I barely got one read, so then the next month’s total would pile up. I would double up some months when I had more time. Somehow someway I read a total of 24 books last year, so goal accomplished! It just didn’t always happen two books a month like I planned.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
I made it through reading the entire Bible in a year. That also didn’t look like I thought it would. Some weeks I did the prescribed reading amount to the T. Some days slipped by and I was catching up a few days’ worth in one. But I DID finish it, and I learned so much. I connected several dots and was able to see more parallels than I had before. There was also much that still went over my head, and so for this next year the Holy Spirit has been prompting me to return to deeper in-depth studies where I may spend six to eight weeks on a book or two. Reading the Bible in a year was a first for me, and I pray I never forget reading that last Scripture in Revelation and the feeling I felt. Such peace, joy, and just pure amazement at how wonderful God was and remains to be every day.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6
The one goal that surprised me the most and still seems a little surreal to me, was seeing my poetry book, Unsent Letters, come to life. Originally, my goal was to have finished it and send it out to be published by March 1 of last year. Whew, that deadline kept getting pushed and pushed, and I didn’t even start assembling poems in the desired order until late September/ early October. Talk about being six months late on an assignment! If I was grading myself, I would have gotten a huge fat zero.
Then I went through several weeks ready to scrap the entire thing and bury it. At that point it wasn’t just going to be left untouched on my to-do list, but completely blasted off to where you couldn’t even see the pen marks anymore. Except God opened up another door and what took years to come to fruition was physically in my hands within a week and half of that door opening. Other people had it in their hands before Christmas hit. I’m still blown away by the response I’ve received by readers. Thank you!
It was just another example to me that if it is God’s Will, there will be a way for it to happen. He is a promise keeper and a way maker for sure.
“May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!”
Psalm 20:4
We experienced several new beginnings this past year. Some we waited for and some that took us by surprise. I think I’m getting better at rolling with the surprises too. I’m actively learning to wait on God’s response, trusting there will be a response, and ready to obey on what He says. Even if it does change my plans or goals.
We are looking to 2024 with eagerness, hope, and of course excitement about the things we have set goals for, but we also have a peace with that the timeline might get shifted as well.
It’s great to have goals and desires, just as long as you’re okay with those changing if God says to remove them from your heart. Or if He moves the timeline around, or decreases/ increases the quantity. No limits or time constraints are placed on Him!
“Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”
James 4:14-15
I’ve made a list of goals for 2024, and I have put down three hikes as one of them. We’ll see what happens! Happy new year! May you look to the Lord to guide your steps.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
Proverbs 16:3
Mirror, Mirror 