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Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. - Isaiah 43:18-19
Entering into a new year can be exciting and refreshing. It’s a time for reflection and rejuvenation. Even for those who don't claim to make New Year's Resolutions, I'm willing to argue that they still take time to assess where they are in life. I'm actually a firm believer in the process of setting goals. Whether it be tangible like getting a new job or saving x amount of money, or if its intangible like practicing mindfulness behaviors or being more patient. If you want to make any real progress in life, in an efficient manner, the intentionality of goal setting is key.
Entering into a new year, however, can also be overwhelming. And, let's be honest, something about this year seems off, just different. The weather is unseasonably warm and fluctuating. There is so much uncertainty regarding return to work and "normal"? What does "normal" even look like? We should also acknowledge that there are many still suffering from depression, covid fatigue and even those of us who have been thrown off our schedules and routines.
A conversation happening in corporation America right now is whether we should go back to the 5 day work week. For the last 2 years, we've been working from home every day. Many of our organizations have still thrived, people have proven to be productive and people are reporting better work/life integration and mental health. On the flip side its hard for people to feel connected to company culture and some things are taking longer to get done (I should also note that many of us are tired of zoom meetings and email conversations). All this said, there is something to be said about working in the same location as your co-workers. Many of us are toggling with the 2-3 day in office work week, with the other days remote. I applaud organizations who are willing to try something new and incorporate this flexibility, which hopefully leads to more engaged employees and efficient work.
As we grow and life shifts us, we should also be willing to operate in a new way! Even in the midst of covid, which I should note is not gone and uncertainty about the future, we can still be motivated to be our best selves. We just need to be intentional about what this looks like and not afraid to try a new thing! We have to be willing to change our position and that usually means doing something new and different.
What does this look like?
If you want to be more at peace and heal brokenness - try going to counseling
If you want to have three months of savings - try a spending freeze
If you want to be more healthy - try a new gym and eating plan
If you want to be a better friend, spouse, family member- try communicating a new way
If you want to build a business - try reaching out to other entrepreneurs for support
If you want to back to school - try adjusting your schedule and prioritizing your education
In order to get something different, we have to do something different, right???
The last two years have been strange, at best. And very difficult, at worst. One thing about God though is that His promises are always true. For example, in the selected text above, He's talking to the children of Israel about doing a new thing. Mainly because, He's been trying to get them out of their culture of corruption, idolatry and injustice. He'd gave them chance after chance to get it right, and ultimately delivered them from captivity, giving them another shot. You should read the full text, but the long and short of it is, God says regardless of the ways He's delivered them in the past, He is going to do a new thing. Something to prove His love for His people and to discourage them from sinful lifestyles.
I believe that God is still wanting to do some new things and that we need to be open to letting this happen. Too often we get in God's way, prolonging or even preventing the goodness that He has in store for us. I believe that we need to look at the last couple years, figure out what did work, figure out what did not work and move forward in a new direction. Is it one of the seven areas I mentioned above? Is it at church? At work? In the community? In your home? In what area of your life do you need to adjust and try something different?
Annnnnnddd…
Are we willing to trust God with the new things?
Are we willing to trust God through sickness and covid?
If God promised to make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, I'm sure He can bring us out of covid. We just need to stay focused and have faith.
It's time to Trust God with the new things!!
Live outside the box. Live in purpose. Live on purpose.
Peace. Blessings. Love.
Lady Z
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