If you’ve not yet heard, a good many of us are observing the beginning of a new year. Twenty-Sixteen is upon us. Yesterday I took a personal wellness day (we are blessed at the Prayer League to be allowed one personal wellness day per month). I had the intent of reflecting on this past year and then turning my thoughts toward all that might come in this new year. The day didn’t quite turn out that way. I did spend some good time in prayer and the Word, took in a bit of the final live streaming sessions from Urbana15, and played a song or two on my guitar. The rest of the day was spent with family and welcoming the new year with the Swanson family. They stayed over and we had some good fellowship today, as well.
This morning, I was up early with the kids and we were able to watch the first sunrise of the new year. I don’t know that I’ve done that before. If so, I can’t remember. Here it is illuminating Minneapolis.
So, what do I look for in 2016? That’s what we’re supposed to do on the first of January, right? Make some great plan for something new? I do have a few thoughts on where I’d like some of my attention given during these first few months of this year. In no particular order:
- Continue regular blogging here.
- Return to some more personal journaling with pen & paper.
- Post a daily photo to Instagram – UaMV. (the first is seen above)
- Begin some sort of daily exercise routine.
- Consistent daily Bible reading.
- Read a short list of books, including the remainder of the Oswald Chambers books in our WMPL library, Subterranean, Oikonomics, The Yearling, The Brothers Karamazov.
- Play my guitar more regularly.
- Begin some sort of local volunteering or regular engagement with the community.
- Take on a few more freelance WordPress web projects. (Let me know if you have any leads.)
- Be more consistent and intentional with family devotional time.
- Define and respect technological boundaries at home.
- Begin teaching Aelah healthy use of tech.
- Better tracking of family finances.
Now that I write it all down, I can see it is quite an ambitious list. And, I know it is not exhaustive. There are certainly things I’m overlooking. How about you? How are you looking to enter into 2016?
Hey dear friend! I love doing New Year’s “on purpose.” I would love to journey with you about “defining and respecting Tech boundaries at home” !! Critical. Complex. Let’s talk. And 2 great books — Joining Jesus on his mission by Greg Finke (Powerful tool to prepare us all to be everyday missionaries) and Prayer Portions by Sylvia Gunther (powerful tool to teach us to pray — this spiral bound book is a resource and will take1-2 years to work through. It’s going to go in our our Personal Retreat Room. To date, I’ve only put one other book in that room …. 2016 — onward!
Yes. We can definitely talk about that. I began reading Joining Jesus and recently misplaced it. Greg is graciously going to send me a replacement! I meant to include that one in the list. I’ve not heard about Prayer Portions, but will have to add it to my list of things to check out. Thanks and blessings on you and yours this new year! Onward and upward!
I also forgot to mention finding my way into a more consistent rhythm of rest, play, and work.
Amen !!!