In this reflection for New Year’s Day, Jo Harris, United Reformed Church Youth Moderator, explores what she’ll be focusing on tin 2023:
Another year has been and gone and I suddenly find myself wondering what my resolutions are going to be next year.
I’m pondering over the ideas in my head about what might be: maybe I’ll exercise more or earn more money. Perhaps I’ll go vegan or take up a new hobby?
But my wonderings are just that, the likelihood is I won’t earn more money nor will I go vegan. I’ll exercise lots for a month or two but eventually that will drift away too. So, this coming year, 2023, will be my year for Jesus. For Jesus to speak to me and for Jesus to speak his work through me.
So, here we go..
New Year’s Resolution No.1
Take time for Jesus. I’m going to be honest here, I never take enough time to read my Bible. I’m unfamiliar with lots of stories and important verses and quite frankly sometimes I feel Jesus, is unfamiliar to me too. So, that’s number one.
New Year’s Resolution No.2
Pray more. Now I’m not thinking that I need to get down on my knees before bed and pray, but I think a little more time dedicated to prayer will help me next year. I’m going to take time to pray when I see an ambulance for the staff and the person who might be receiving the care. I’m going to take time to meditate and pray for my family and all the things I’m grateful for, because sometimes, I forget how lucky I am. That’s two.
New Year’s Resolution No.3
Make space for more activism and empowerment. Next year will be my year. I know it. Through affirmations and self-love I will be empowering myself to make the differences I know I want to make.
I want to support local businesses more. I want to shout from the rooftops about issues of social injustices that make me mad. I want to develop lasting friendships with those who are different to me.
But most importantly, I want to be given the strength to make space for activism in my life. Jesus led his disciples with love and fought for and loved people who were seemed to be outcast. I need to be more like Jesus. So that’s three.
Now of course mixed in there, will be exercise more, eat more fibre, get your 10,000 step in and close all three rings on your Apple Watch every day (if you know you know).
But the heart of my year for 2023 will be Jesus. I pray that we all as friends of Jesus that we all take steps to bring them into your life a little more often and to be encouraged to make a little more space for you and Jesus.
What will your year look like?
Image: Michael Fenton/Unsplash.