Running My Race...

Today, many of us will be doggedly working to firm up our New Year's resolutions. I don't know about you, but my resolutions always seem to be a variation on the same theme: eat wisely, exercise diligently, serve others joyfully and read my Bible daily. Admirable goals, to be sure, but somewhat nebulous. I wanted to challenge myself to explore more deeply what matters most in my life. To that end and several years ago, I began the practice of choosing a word, mantra and Scriptural verse that would command my attention and guide my steps throughout the year. In 2018, my word was FAITH, my mantra was "Faith over fear!" and my Scriptural verse was Mark 5:36: "Jesus told him, 'Don’t be afraid; just believe.'” During the year, I dedicated myself to the pursuit of reading and studying all I could find on the topic of faith. And the practice proved to be a powerful blessing, as it helped me to confront my 20-year fear of flying!

In 2019, my word will be PERSEVERANCE, my mantra will be "Never give up!" and my Scriptural verse, Hebrews 12:1-2. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines perseverance as "continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure or opposition." It is tenacity, persistence, staying power - a never-give-up attitude that does not change with one's circumstances. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to "...run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." In 2019, as in years past and with God’s help, I will strive to confront any obstacles I encounter - to run my race - with an attitude that reflects my unwavering belief in Christ, the author and perfecter of faith.

Happy New Year to you all! 

Photo by Bruno Nascimento on Unsplash