I've never been big on New Year's resolutions. One year I gave up looking at gossip magazines and websites because I felt my love for all things pop culture was getting out of hand. And, well, while I still love reading a People magazine every once in a while, I think it's safe to say that I'm not a celebrity news junkie anymore (unless it has to do with Britney Spears or Prince George). Although I suspect that has something to do with growing up rather than making it a resolution. Another year in college, I gave up sodas. That one didn't last long (sips large Dr Pepper from Chick-fil-a). Those are really the only two I can think of...
I thought about making one this year and thought how on earth would I have the time to fit in a resolution? And that's when it hit me... I have no time. Why is that?
I'd be lying if I said I was sad to see 2014 come to a close. My sweet Elliot is the year's saving grace. I spent most of the year in a really tough pregnancy battling sciatic nerve issues, high blood pressure, hospital bedrest and an early delivery followed by Elliot's surprise diagnosis and six-week NICU stay. Once Elliot was finally released we've had to learn to navigate his needs and the Down syndrome world. I also had to resign from a job I loved and had no intention of leaving, which then caused Justin and I to acclimate to living on one-income. I'm not saying all this to complain; I'm just saying 2014 was rough and I've never been so excited for a new year to start.
When I look back on the year and look at making a resolution for 2015, I can only come back to one thing: time. Between Elliot's appointments and therapies, potty training a toddler and keeping a clean, happy home, I feel as though the last time I rested was, well, when I was on bedrest in the hospital. How ironic it is that I can look back on what I felt was like prison and think, "Wow, if only I could get some rest like that again!" So there it is... my new year's resolution... to rest. Physical and mental rest in Christ.
I read this blog post last night that encouraged you to find a Bible verse to pray over in 2015. I found it encouraging and a useful tool in finding the Bible verse I'd like for our family this year. And after much praying and pouring through my Bible, I decided on Isaiah 26:3:
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."
As the blog post suggests to create, my prayer for the year for my family is this: God, you are so great. I thank you for the many blessings in disguise that came our way in 2014. I pray for perfect peace in 2015. I pray that our hearts and our minds stay on you this year and every year after. I pray our trust in your perfect plan for our family only grows with each passing day. I pray that Justin and I trust in you and model that trust to our children. I pray for rest, for peace, for your continued grace as we adapt to our new family. Thank you for another year. Amen.
This past year tested me in ways I've never been tested. I'm a better person, a better wife, a better mother for everything that went down in 2014, but I do pray that 2015 can be much calmer and that our family can find some rest this year... maybe even take a vacation, imagine! Maybe I'll be ready for some excitement in 2016, but for now, I just want a year filled with Saturday morning cuddling, HGTV watching, front porch sitting and healthy kids. Here's to 2015 (holds up previously mentioned large Dr Pepper.)
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