What are your dreams and hopes for the new year?
Not “wishes”, but things you want to happen. For yourself, for your family, for relationships.
I don’t like the word “resolutions” for the new year. I love the words hope and dream. Sounds a little warm and fuzzy, and has more heart in it.
I do set some goals to keep me on track for my health, spiritual and personal growth, areas I would like to see changes in and accomplish, but it’s all wrapped up in that word hope. It just has a softer sound and takes off the pressure if I slip and get off track.
There’s something hopeful about having a new year and starting over. Kind of like, wipe the slate clean and start over.
Sure some things from the previous year will follow us into the new year, but with the flip of the calendar page, there is a mind shift that takes place. Hope starts to take root, that maybe things can be different. That this might be the year that some major hopes and dreams become a reality.
So where do you start?
Find a quiet space. Get some paper, or use your computer and make some lists. I usually make three. Hopes. Dreams. God.
Hopes are where you want to see changes. In your personal life, your family, your kids, your job. Whenever you have thought that “I wish this was different”, “I wish this would change”. etc. Those are your hopes.
Have you had more discouragement than hope in some areas? Ask God to breathe renewed expectations into your heart for the changes you desire to see.
Dream big. This is where you visualize hopes becoming a reality. Maybe it’s something you would love to do, but you’re waiting for that “someday”. Dream big and see yourself doing it! Don’t hold back here! God places those dreams in your heart for a reason. He wants to come alongside you and make them come true!
God. Ok, this is where it’s going to take God’s intervention to make it happen. This is the big stuff.
Some of those hopes and dreams you can make happen. With discipline and a different mindset, you can control some of it, but God still needs to be invited in. The BIG stuff though that basically needs a miracle? This is where you lay those down to Him. Pray about it, acknowledging that only He can do it, and you need Him to move powerfully in the situation, in the person…whatever it is that seems impossible. Then watch a miracle unfold over the coming year!
A new year is here with so many possibilities. Think and pray about your hopes and dreams over the next few days. All the little things, and all the big things that your heart has been holding onto. Make your lists, cover it with prayer and wait expectantly. This is going to be an amazing year for you!!
Until next time,
~pat
