The Wise Men

"After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were over-joyed. On coming to the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route," (Matthew 2:9-12 NIV),

As we come to the end of a year it is often wise to ponder the past months and evaluate changes we may wish to make in the New Year. New Year's resolutions have a bad name but the idea is still wise. It is okay to make resolutions that sometimes get broken. However, it is better to create a plan that may help you be successful at making a change. Small steps are better than leaping into a huge transformation, cold turkey fashion. 

Trying to improve our habits, challenges us to focus on a goal, and focusing on a goal gives us direction. Just like the Magi who followed a star, we can set a goal and move forward, following the path we desire. Goals need to be small and specific. They should be attainable. One goal I've set for myself is reading through the Bible in a year. There are many plans available to follow and I know the goal is attainable. 

This year I plan to journal several times a week. I have a new journal that will make it fun to write in. Though, I may do better with reading the Bible than journaling if my right hand is incapacitated part of the year. 

May you find time to consider what plans you have for the New Year and how you will accomplish those plans. Mark your calendar in March to review your goal and access how you are doing. Then give yourself grace if the goal has faded or congratulate yourself if you have done well. Be over-joyed with your success.

May you have a blessed New Year!