A brand new year

Well, here we are. An entire new year lay before us. Full of opportunity. Full of possibility.

As we embark on 2008 together, I have some general thoughts that are begging to be put down on paper so here they are in no particular order (do with them whatever you want):

• It all comes down to the walk. I can attend seminars, read books, meet great people, and see great events unfold. But when it comes to my balance and self care in serving other people, it comes down to my individual choices. I don't grow simply by knowing great people or attending the right seminars. It takes individual effort on a regular basis.
• A day is still just a day. When I come to work, I will have enough on my plate to accomplish. Some days my plate is incredibly full. Other days, I am on top of my game and everything I plan to do gets done. But there will never be more than 24 hours in a day. This year, I will do my best not to get so uptight & nervous when I am overwhelmed. God knows what I have to face. I will rely on Him to help me discern what's priority during the busy times.
• The big picture. There will be many times when the details get overwhelming. I will be further ahead if I can periodically put on by "big picture" lenses and not get so caught up in the detail.
• The weekly review. I have so many times penned plans that were great and motivating to me. But then, after a while, I lose steam and forget why I set out to do what I planned. This year, I want to look at my priorities at least on a weekly basis. I want to ask myself the hard questions which will keep me on track.
• Always growing, always learning. This year I want to be 100% present wherever I am. I want to learn from other people, learn from my own responses, learn from my circumstances. I want to listen not just with my ears, but by observing and questioning what has become status quo.
• Centered. The longer I live, the more I believe in the concept of centering. At the core of my being is the leadership of God. When I take over for myself, I inevitably fail. So, everything I say, do, think, read, listen to will be filtered through the central command of God's leadership.

I trust this year of 2008 will be a GREAT year of Serving Strong for you!