I’ve never made a New Years resolution. Reflecting upon this single sentence, I’m amazed at how clearly it reflects the intricacies of my entire personality. First, I don’t like doing the easy, obvious or expected. In school, I would purposely choose to write a paper defending an opinion that was less supported and against common belief just to challenge myself to think outside the box. Second, I hate waiting around for anything, especially the first of the year to make a great life change that I could have started months ago.
Whether it’s because 2012 is my first year as a business owner or because it’s predicted to be the end of the world, for the first time I’ve found a clear and meaningful New Years resolution. I want to reconnect with God.
You may not have seen this as the type of resolution I was leading up to, neither did I at first. It’s been a goal of mine for quite some time that I’ve found a thousand other things to put before it. And so everything I initially disliked about creating New Years resolutions has now emerged as an opportunity to finally commit to this goal. I have much to be thankful for and many talents which I wish to use for a greater good. I want to develop a mature relationship with God that will allow me to keep a gracious heart and understand the world on a whole new spiritual level. Religion isn’t blindly believing, it’s actually questioning and challenging everything you know on a daily basis which is what I’ve been doing nearly my whole life without knowing what to call it.
Having now written it in words, I know this is a resolution to which I will commit. I have everything to gain from this goal—spirituality improves all other aspect of life—and have already taken my first step. I’ve found a church that resonates with exactly what I’ve been looking for. Lives Changed by Christ (LCBC) takes an intellectual and thought-provoking approach to religion. The hardest challenge will be making this a priority week after week and year after year. It’s a goal that can never be truly met. There is no end; it will take me a lifetime. Having never before made a New Years resolution I’m starting with what might be the most challenging one of all, but I’m not overwhelmed. I’m excited because I feel as though I’ve found the only New Years resolution I ever needed all along.
The Comm Entrepreneur 
That is beautiful that you have something that you can commit to and truly believe in. I hope it all works out for you.
“Religion isn’t blindly believing, it’s actually questioning and challenging everything you know”
I completely agree! I connected with God after I went through a long period of questionning whether or not he exists. At the end, I decided to believe he did exist, and because it was a life choice and not blind faith, I think I’m stronger for it today.
That’s really inspiring for me, thank you for sharing your journey! Best of luck to you and a very Happy New Year!
I got to that point a few years ago. Interestingly, I still don’t really resonate with a “church.” I have found that religion with its rules (I was raised Catholic) didn’t fit in with my feeling of God and the greater universe. So, I found my own way. I still rarely go to “church” but my connection with God is better than ever! Good luck and don’t get discouraged if you have to find your own way 🙂
Steph, this is such an encouraging post, and I’m looking forward to many more conversations with you about it. I pray that you continue to be part of a church that is spiritually challenging and ultimately growing and where you can be in fellowship with other believers.
As you said, your faith is something that affects all other aspects of your life – your work, relationships, etc. But its not just that a relationship with God improves these things slightly, but fundamentally and radically changes them. As God is not just giving you a boost, but changing you more and more into his likeness. I pray that you view all areas of life first and foremost as ways in which you worship and bring glory to Christ.
This comment really meant a lot–thanks, Jacey!
That’s awesome! Congrats on that decision. Enjoy the process 🙂 Can’t wait to hear how your spiritual relationship grows.
Good luck. Sometimes seeking prevents finding. And you may already be where you think you need to go.
Such an inspiring post. I was born and raised Catholic, but I rarely go to Church, I worship God in my own way. I pray everyday and thank Him for all the blessings I have received, or have yet to receive. Best of luck to you, Stephanie 🙂
Gracie, I was raised Catholic as well and fell into a similar rut. The important thing is to actively seek a relationship with God that resonates with you. It sounds like you’ve found a great balance!
Thanks for liking my poem 🙂 I’ve come by to see what you’re about – and I must say I’m impressed. This was a great post, and tho I’m currently in the stage of not actually following my faith after a huge disappointment, your decision gives me hope. I hope you do stick to it, and I pray that both you and myself find the peace that is promised in a life of following Christ.
Great resolution! The spirituality resolution as you said is nothing you can ever complete. I have found that sucess in this area is noting continual growth . . . God continually working on you! From one business owner to another.
Good luck in the new year, Stephanie!
Fantastic resolution – this is something I want to do more of as well.
It’s through faith + belief that you can make it.