Here we are, one month into the New Year. How are the resolutions going so far? Whether you are keeping them or have already forgotten them, one thing most resolutions have in common is negativity.
Our resolutions focus on the worst aspects of ourselves—or at least what we perceive as the worst. Maybe it is time to look at resolutions in a new way!
God made you—special, unique, and gifted. God created you in the Divine Image and loves you. Think about the gifts and graces you have—administration, leadership, help, mercy, faith … the list is endless. Celebrating what God has done and is doing in your life is much more satisfying and helpful than dwelling upon your weight, exercise habits, or housekeeping.
Resolve to BE – to be you in your workplace.
- If you have the gift of administration, do what you do—and mentor an emerging leader in how she can maximize her gift as well.
- If you have the gift of leadership, lead—without apology or reservation. Be strong, courageous, and visionary. Through your example, others will be inspired to step up and step out where God is guiding them.
- If you have the gift of helps, do it—and invite others to explore their own giftedness in this area. Find opportunities to serve young girls—tutoring, leading Scout troops, or volunteering at youth centers in communities where dreams have died.
Whatever the gift, you can celebrate and grow it by employing the gift. When we use our gifts and grow, God’s joy becomes a reality.
Resolve to BE – to be you in your relationships.
- You may be daughter, wife, mother, friend, supervisor, and volunteer—but you can only authentically be these things as yourself. Playing each role differently is exhausting and unnecessary.
- Remember who you are: a beloved child of God, blessed to be a blessing.
Peace comes with a life of integrity—living seamlessly. When we free ourselves to be who we are and stop trying to be who others want us to be, God’s joy becomes our reality.
Losing weight, exercising, and dusting twice a week are not bad things to strive for—but when we do not live up to our expectations, disappointment, discouragement, and even disgust can set in.
I really want to encourage you to move towards BE-ing the person God created you to be.
When we are true to ourselves, those things that are truly important will rise up and become achievable—and those things that are of no lasting importance will fade away. If your best self needs to lose weight, exercise, or be more organized at home to fully live into the life God desires for you, it will happen.
God loves you. Trust in that love and free yourself to live as God’s beloved. Rather than trying to change who you are, celebrate how God made you, use your gifts and graces, and discover the joy of BE-ing you in God.
About Carol Pazdersky
Carol Pazdersky is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church. She serves the faith communities of St. John’s UMC in Lutherville, MD, and Idlewylde UMC as lead pastor. As the member of the District Committee on Ministry, Carol has mentored other women as they answer their call to ministry. 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, friend, and animal lover and on the same journey to find balance.
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