A new year is often the “new beginning” that we desire.

We set our goals, make our resolutions, and things go great – until February. If you find yourself weakly reaching for your goals at this time, do not think you are failing. The problem is not you but the goals themselves. 

• Was the goal realistic? That is, could a person with your abilities and skills reasonably expect to meet the goal? If you are not gifted in languages, why struggle to become fluent in French before traveling to Quebec in a few months? Isn’t learning how to say a few phrases, finding a decent phrase book, and learning about customs and traditions enough?
• Was the goal worthy? Not every good idea is worth the time and energy needed to bring it to reality. Making the office into the drop-off location for the local food drive sounds great – but do you have the time, space, and energy to pull it off? Of course the hungry need to be fed, but you can participate by dropping off food at another location and helping to get the word out through your contacts.
• Was the goal yours? Chances are if we are striving for a goal set by our family, friends, or workplace that we will quickly lose interest. Maybe your best friend wants to run two miles with you every morning – but you prefer working out at lunchtime in a gym or at home in the evening alone.
• Was the goal set with God? God knows the deepest desires of our hearts and God knows how to make these things a reality. Prayerful consideration of the future with God’s guidance will show you the next steps in your life. Goals that come out of our passions are the ones that survive beyond February.

We would be so much more content if we remember to let God guide.

God cares about our goals, but God also care about you – your heart, soul, mind, and body.

Photo by Flickr (David)

If we allow it, God will show us what is uniquely ours to do with God’s help. Trust God with your hopes and dreams and God will lead you into February and beyond.

What are your goals with God for 2014? Please leave a comment below to share with our readers.

About Carol Pazdersky

Carol Pazdersky is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church. She serves Bel Air UMC in Bel Air, MD, as the Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions/Outreach and on the Boards of Faith Communities and Civic Agencies United  and Be the Change Baltimore addressing issues of homelessness. On a daily basis, Carol ministers with women who are seeking to balance their personal, professional, and spiritual lives. She is a wife, mother of three young adults, daughter of aging parents, friend, and animal lover and on the same journey to find balance. Her sermons are archived on the following sites: www.MtCarmelChapel.org and www.BAUMC.com.

I’m Carol Pazdersky, a pastor at Bel Air United Methodist Church in Bel Air, MD (Jory’s church). Spiritual formation is my passion! I have seen so many women facing burn-out because of the heavy load they carry—being a supportive partner, involved parent, care-giving daughter, strong business leader, and dedicated friend. With all that is happening, the spiritual life can take a back-seat—and without the firm foundation of Jesus, we may feel like a dry well. What are your greatest spiritual needs? How can I offer support and encouragement for your journey? On the other hand, some women have figured out the balance between faith, family, friendship, and business. I would love to have you share your wisdom as well. Email me at pazderskyc@ baumc.com with your victories, challenges, questions, and thoughts, and I will respond to them in the coming months. I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with you.