Expectations
/Each January, many of us draw up a list of expectations, or New Year’s Resolutions, only to find after a few days or weeks, these expectations are not only unfulfilled, but also unrealistic. One of the hardest things in life is feeling like a failure.
A few years ago, I decided to start focusing on one word, or one thing that I can strive to do better with throughout the year. By giving myself some slack, and making my goals more attainable, life feels more positive, and rewarding.
Some of my past words or things of focus have been, “Let Go”, “Have Fun”, “Hear Him”. I’ve put these things in places around my home as daily reminders of my goal for the year. After the year in through, I leave most of them up in places where I see them on a regular basis to help me remember and maintain the progress I’ve made. I love this quote from Jeffrey R. Holland, “In the gospel there is always, every day, every hour, a new chance, a new life, a new year.”
As a follower and disciple of Jesus Christ, my belief in God is first and foremost in my life. As I focus on Him daily, all other aspects in life are put in the proper perspective, and life is do-able!
This year, President Russell M. Nelson outlined three requisites for New Year’s resolutions. I love these because they go along with what I have already outlined for myself.
“BE PATIENT - Real change requires time – and often a lot of time. It is tempting to expect immediate results and then become disappointed when things don’t work out exactly as planned. This may be why the apostle Paul counseled us to ‘run with patience the race that is set before us.’
BE PERSISTENT – Keep at it, even when things get difficult. Push through the tough times, and realize that even small victories mean you are having success. The Savior ‘waxed strong in spirit’ as He grew older. We too can wax strong in spirit and in our talents and habits if we persevere.
BE PRAYERFUL – Call upon God for the strength you need as you labor diligently to become a better version of yourself – a better disciple of Jesus Christ, a brighter light in the world. For ‘they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.’”
I’m so grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ! I LOVE Him with all my heart!!! He is the LIGHT in this life, which is always there no matter how dark our lives may seem at times. As we serve others, and follow Him, our lives will be blessed. We might have to be patient, persistent, and prayerful before we experience the goals we set for ourselves, but because of Him we can do hard things.
“May we strive this new year to marvel and rejoice at the privileges and opportunities our Father in Heaven and our redeemer Jesus Christ provide.” ~ Russell M. Nelson
In His eyes, we are not failures as long as we are striving to stay on the covenant path. He doesn’t care how fast or slow our progress is, He only cares that we are headed in the right direction. May we all strive to be a LIGHT to others as we are all on our own journey back HOME to Him. Happy 2024!
Love Ya, Les :)