If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
This is the time of year when we focus on Resolutions. We long to be better versions of ourselves as we begin a New Year. Our daily routines get so quickly wrapped up in the day-to-day stuff of living that we sometimes lose track of the person we hope to be. And so the New Year reminds us that there is a fresh start, that we need not be bound to the person and habits that have been, that we do — in fact — create ourselves with our choices. It gives us this moment of pause, a moment in which we consider who we are and who we want to be and how to bridge the gap between the two.
Here’s what we don’t talk about at the New Year: We can actually change a habit or pattern any day of any week of any year that we’re alive. That’s right, friends, we are not limited to the 1st of January! Every day affords us the great opportunity to start fresh and be the person we long to be.
Were we sad yesterday? Today allows us to find joy.
Were we addicted to ice cream yesterday? Today allows us to choose green beans.
Did we spend too much money yesterday? Today allows us to put our coins in a jar.
Were we angry yesterday? Today allows us to forgive and let go of those moments we replay in our minds each night.
Did we speak hurtful words to someone yesterday? Today allows us to seek forgiveness and speak words of life and hope and encouragement.
Every single day, we are given this precious chance to change. We cannot always change circumstances (though I sincerely believe we can do so more often than we will admit), but we can always change our response and our attitude.
So go ahead. Think about the one thing you’d like to change in your life. Is it a relationship? Finances? Emotions? Health? Commitments? Work? Faith? Whatever it is, consider what you can change versus what you cannot change. You cannot decide that Joe Schmoe is going to fall in love with you, for instance; You can talk to him. You cannot decide that your boss is going to give you a raise; You can maintain an excellent work ethic and ask for a raise. You cannot unspeak words that are hurtful; You can apologize and speak words that are kind.
For me, it is joy. And hope. I’m choosing today (even though it isn’t January 1!) to take joy in the rich blessings God has poured out upon me — my relationships, my steady income, my lack of an auto-immune flare-up, my faith, music, words, yarn, clean water, hot water, shoes, coffee, blog-readers… the list is endless; I am truly blessed beyond words — and to take hope in God’s promises for today and tomorrow and the rest of my days here on earth — for all of His promises are ‘yes’ and ‘Amen,’ and to date, not one of them has failed.
From the shores of Wicket Lake,
Sarah Elizabeth Moore 
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