2012- A Time to Refocus?

I cant’ help myself- I am hopelessly addicted to New Year’s resolutions.  At the beginning of every year since I find myself obsessing about what I will do new and/or differently this year.   Last year, I committed myself to working with swimming or biking  5 days each week.   On the days or week I missed, the wave of guilt and failure hit me  hard, even as I celebrated my commitment to
this goal.

So, this year, I’ve decided to refocus or renew an aspect of my discipleship in Christ.  As a pastor I spend time each week preparing sermons and Bible studies, but not as much time as I would like reading the Bible devotionally. So, 2012 is the year I plan to allow more time each day for personal reading of the Bible and prayer time.  This may not impress you and you may be thinking, “Well, duh, of course, you should be doing this. You are a pastor, right?” 

What about you?  What would you like to refocus your life on this year?  It might be your marriage- being more intentional about spending quality time with your spouse.  It might be a friendship- you’ve always shared that you would like to get together more often, but just haven’t found the time.  Or, it might be parenting your child(ren) or teens- you are refocusing on your style of parenting or adjusting
your parenting as your child develops.

How about renewing your life of discipleship?  Is there some aspect of your walk with Christ that you would like to renew in 2012?  Maybe it’s more time praying- quietly alone or even on the fly as your day unfolds.  Maybe it’s reading your
Bible or joining a Bible study.  Or, maybe it’s worshipping more often. Or, you would like to get  involved in a special service project.

Refocus or Renew?  May our Lord be with you and work through you in mighty ways this 2012. Oh, before I forget, don’t feel guilty if you fall short.  Celebrate what uou accomplish! And, remember the love and patience of our Lord.

Pastor Durk Peterson

Alleluia! Lutheran,  Church, St. Michael