When our daughters were younger, we often made New Year’s Resolutions as a family. Sometimes, we decided together, and sometimes, we picked for ourselves. Either way, at the end of the year, a significant financial gift in cash was awarded to those who followed through with their resolution.
Most years, we abstained from something, like fast food or soda. Some years, we added things, like new habits that made us better people. It was a group effort, and we often found ourselves needing each other’s encouragement to follow through each year.
The idea behind a resolution is to never get comfortable with where we are but always think of new ways to take the next step into being all God created us to be. It’s a reminder that God does new things in us. He helps us move beyond our pasts and guides us to new futures full of hope and life through Him.
I hope this new year finds your family taking the next step, doing something new together, and encouraging one another along the way. Have some fun working together and using teachable moments to show how God does new things in and through us.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19
Arianna Eckart
Director of NTS Camp
Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash