2008

As the memories of 2007 turn into looking forward to 2008 we can't help but think of ways to improve and goals to set and progress to make. My mind is full of all the things I want to accomplish this year-- spiritually, naturally, physically and emotionally. Not in a bad, overwhelming sense but in a "it's a new day" sort of way.

I've never been one to make much of New Year's Resolutions. I am all about setting goals, however, and every year I attempt to realistically do so. As I seek God's guidance I write down the ideas He affirms in my heart.

What do you do to signify the new New Year? Are you a 'resolutions' person or do you treat it like any other day of the year?
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Daily in my "Inbox" arrives a brief devotional from Ed Young. When I read through them I often think "that would be a perfect post for Walk Wisely". His edifying words are most often concise and yet thought provoking. On this New Year's Day I am going with it... I'm giving Ed his time here with words I wish I would have written myself on a subject dear to my heart.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."Luke 10:38-42

Everyone is busy these days. We've got a million things to do. We have so much going on that we can barely focus on what we are doing right now. Some of you are even trying to focus on the verses you just read while fighting thoughts of work, family, and other responsibilities. We all have moments when we are extremely busy, but we cannot be so consumed with a "million things" that we forget about the most important thing.

Martha had a million things to do when Jesus came. She was responsible for making Jesus' stay at her house comfortable and enjoyable. Martha wanted to sit at the feet of Jesus, but she had so much to do for him before she could sit with him. Can you relate? You would like to sit with Jesus, but there are so many things that need to get done first. A lot of those things are good things. Some of them may even be things you want to do for Jesus. But Jesus doesn't want us to get so caught up in doing good things that we forget about the greatest thing, which is spending time with him.

Don't wait to accomplish your "million things" before you spend time with Jesus. Learn from Mary and sit at Jesus' feet. When you spend time at the feet of Jesus, he will help you sort out your "million things" and protect you from being fragmented in so many directions.

What better way to start the New Year than to spend time with the lover of our soul, Jesus Christ?

I pray you each have a very happy, prosperous and healthy (spirit, soul, and body) 2008!