It’s not my habit to make resolutions or choose a focus at the beginning of the new year, though I have done it before. 

However, this year I am. My goal for 2017 is to strengthen myself both physically and spiritually. 

I’ll be having a much needed surgery to repair a hernia that’s kept me from working out for the last 6 years. 

Once that’s out of the way I hope to begin some kind of exercise/workout program. At nearly 42 years old, it’s time to get busy – it will only get more difficult with age.  

I’m already changing the way I eat. I’ve grown slack in that department and it’s foolish because I know better. I know what’s healthy, what’s not, what makes me function at my highest and best capacity and what doesn’t. 

In addition I’ve felt challenged by the Lord to change my spiritual habits – I have a very specific plan for that. I’ll do more of some things and less of others and it won’t be easy for me. BUT strength only comes by way of resistance. 

It’s the repetitive pushing back against the weight that builds muscle, physically, and the same is true spiritually and emotionally. We have to push back against our desires, or fears, or appetites, that are contrary to what’s good for us.

In a paradoxical way it’s embracing the weakness we feel when we deprive ourselves of the crutches we use to avoid feelings of vulnerability, that allows God’s strength to manifest itself in us. It’s in our weakness that He is strong. 

I’m really looking forward to this year and, honestly, am going into it without expectations of any particular results. I’ll file that in the wait and see category.

I just know that I need change to happen in my body and in my heart, for my own good, for the good of others and for the glory of God in my own life.