to Reflect and Resolve

I'm something of an introspective person. I start thinking about my New Year's resolution around Thanksgiving. My resolutions are not mere goals to be met (i.e. lose weight or keep things organized). They are broader, more of an acknowledgement of what God has done and is doing in my life. 

2012 was a busy year of firsts (and thirds!). We went into it knowing there were many changes that would rock our world, and prepared ourselves with our resolution to be intentional.  I know that's something of a cliche phrase right now, but our goal was very simply to be purposeful with our time and resources and most importantly, our children. I could nitpick at the year and detail all the ways we we succeeded or failed, but I'll spare you my neurosis.  Suffice it to say that the year was not wasted.  

This year, I'm getting a little more specific. My resolution for 2013 is that the health part of our life (specifically eating and exercising) will look different by this time next year. Exactly what it will look like, I can't say, but I've been on this journey of research and discovery for the last several months and it is time to put some things into action. Things like training to walk a 5k, more of our calories from fruits, veggies, and gluten free grains than from animal products, and finally, FINALLY establishing a good system for planning a weekly menu, shopping economically & efficiently, and eating 90% of our meals at home (and from scratch!). 

I know there are a number of practical changes we'll have to make over the next twelve months. Ray and I are joining Weight Watchers Online for extra accountability and structure. I'm trying out different menu planning options and tools in an effort to discover what will work best for our family. 

But there is a spiritual side to all this too. It is not just about wiping out the bad, but about replacing it with the good. I'm a very emotional eater, and I know that even pursuing a healthy lifestyle can easily become an unhealthy obsession if it is allowed to fill the role that only God is qualified to fill. 

So it is with all this floating around in my mind that I prayerfully make this resolution, asking God to reign supreme in my kitchen, over my grocery list, and most importantly in my heart where my motivations, desires, and shortcomings are laid bare before Him. 

Happy New Year!