Not My Resolutions | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Not My Resolutions | Previous Challenge Entry
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05/11/05
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It’s May and I’m thinking about a New Year. Rent is due; car payment, electricity, phone, student loans are late. My husband and I used to work together at a children’s home for ‘at risk’ youth but when our own two boys started getting harassed by those youth because of our decisions, we had to move on. Now, I am trying to stay home with my kids while my husband works and works. You know the deal: we have half the income we used to and an increase in rent. Maybe, if I did not have Christ, I would sorely be wishing for a New Year.

Amazingly, I am happier than I have ever been. Oh, I’m not saying it’s been easy! Macaroni and Cheese does get old, no argument there. Except, I have now learned in all things to be content. Because of the trials of the last two years, I have learned not to worry about tomorrow. I thought my fresh ‘New Year’ would come and everything would be peachy again. Life isn’t like that. God had other plans and resolutions for me.
I wanted riches—I learned how to be wealthy by being poor. God has enriched me by showing me that treasure is not monetary. My beautiful children, they are treasures enough to fill a cave with jewels. Had we not made the decision to leave the ‘well paying job’ or have just one of us work, those treasures may not have been discovered by my husband or myself. Through sacrifice, I have received more abundantly.

I wanted security—I learned how to trust. We go paycheck to paycheck now, and to anyone looking on it might seem we cannot possibly make it. And yet, I am more secure in the knowledge that God will provide than I ever was before. He has taught us to lean on Him and not worry what we shall eat, wear, or even how we will pay our bills. God has not failed us and never will.

I wanted happiness—I learned how to laugh through tears. Joy rates so much higher than happiness now. The pursuit of happiness is an American right; joy is a God given privilege.

I wanted a good life—I learned to accept His death so I may live. Now, my New Year occurs daily. I gave it to God, and He has given it all to me.

Although my circumstances haven’t changed and I must admit that I still would like a steak dinner once in a while, I am rich in Christ. Praise the Lord that my New Year’s resolutions were not His resolutions.

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