Resolutions, What Resolutions?

2024 is ending, and we are on the brink of 2025.  What will this year hold I wonder?  Should I venture to set goals, what is there to accomplish, what to improve, or is the better question – what I should leave behind?  This is the quandary; I heard on the news this morning that more people were making a resolution Not to make any new year resolutions.   

Every year I catalog the paintings I accomplish and reflect to determine how I can improve next year.  Is the focus quantity, or to grow in new areas, what have I struggled with in the past year that needs to change? 

I am working on a new project of both painting and writing that will consume much of my time.  I have not signed up for any of the usual art shows this spring.  My goal is to complete a book this year.  That is the target, I will leave the ultimate timing to the Lord.  It is He who called me to it.  I feel there is as much to write this year as there is painting.  The challenge for me is not to get caught up in the overwhelming pressure to perform, produce and perfect. 

As I have started this the paintings are far from perfect, the writing is still rough, but the result will be only for the glory of the Lord.  My husband has reminded me that he knows I am to publish a book.  So, the quest is underway, the research is ongoing, and whatever 2025 brings I trust that it will be as the Lord will have it.   

I pray that 2025 will bring the Lord’s desires to pass in your life as well.  If you are breathing, the Lord has a purpose for you as well.  Don’t resist his calling, lean into him and seek his will for you. Respond with expectant hope.  As Samuel said, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”  Let us all be receptive to his voice and run in the paths of his commands this year.