Happy New Year

Happy New Year!!
Today in church we talked about letting go of the past and moving forward in 2012.  I had to think about what I might be holding on to.  I can't just let go of what happened to Katie because it is part of her journey, but I realized I can let go of my worry! I try very hard not to worry, but it is a unlovely human trait.  Also, I need to let go of my exhaustion.  I am tired! Constantly tired! When I give you a run down of my days and weeks it is easy to see why, but I give myself little grace because I know people handle so much more. That leads me to let go of my desire to be as good as everyone else looks.
  We all see the warm fuzzies of each other. Oh, look she keeps her house so clean! Oh, she always looks so beautiful! Oh, she is always so organized. She has so much on her plate and handles everything perfectly.  She works 50 hours a week and can still do it all.  She has so many kids and still has time to help and volunteer.  What we don't see is how hard they work, or how often they break down or the help they receive, or that 90% of the time they are not perfect but can put on a great show.  We didn't see how they were raised or what there personal struggles are. They may look beautiful and perfect but see themselves as ugly.  They may work so hard to never feel that they are doing enough.  What I desire is to push myself, but to be at peace with my weakness and limitation, and yet always strive to do better.  I need to lean more on God since He works best through our weaknesses.  "I can do all things through HIM who gives me strength."  "This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it!"  I need to hold on to those verses as I start this new year.  I need to lean on God for my strength and find the joy in each day!
      Happy New Year!!      What can you leave behind this year?!?