Easing into the New Year: 2 Toes at a Time

As I sit and think about 2017, I feel like I should have some deep and profound insight... I mean, why write if I don't have something good to say, right?! I stare at my computer screen. Scroll through old pictures. Type in "motivational quotes". Nothing. I have nothing. So I ask myself, how do you feel about the new year? Logical question, I'd say. But it's grey and not very inspirational.

Fear

Anxiety

Nervous

Worry

I've always had a hundred worries. A thousand what ifs. And a million prayers: God, don't forget about me. God, are you sure you've got this? God, I know you hear me.

In my trusting, I've always been a doubter.

Isn't it funny how easy it is to stay in the comfort zone, even if the comfort zone is a little crazy? Same cycle. Different day, different year. Anybody with me?

One of these years I will go into the new year feeling ready to conquer the world, spoken to myself with a shaky voice for the last 15 years. Ha. Wow. I'm really motivating today...

But even in my doubt, even in my depressing and unmotivating moments, there is always the soft whisper deep in my knowing. We all have it. You know, the whisper that keeps you going...

~ ~ ~

So here it is, Sheila. 

2017. You are unsure of this year. The what ifs, worries and doubts are mounting, but you must keep moving forward. You've always been an easer-inner. Two toes into the pool at a time. Never jumping. Never cannon balling. Just one tiny, little step at a time. It takes you 25 minutes to get into the pool, but you do it, eventually. Friends yell, "just jump!" But nope. Slow and steady. Easing the whole way in. So let's start there. Let's ease into the new year; two toes at at time. Here are three goals to get you easing:

Goal 1: Trust
You know God's got you, so trust this! Trust in God's protection, love, and unending work in your life. He hasn't failed you yet; He isn't going to. No matter how much you doubt and worry.... he's still got you! Deep down you know this. Trust this!

Goal 2: Listen
God is showing you every day your next step. They are mostly small and steady steps. They aren't big and grandeous so you must listen for the whisper. Ease with him, one toe, two toes, maybe even an entire foot at a time. Movement will take you to places you don't imagine. You just have to listen for your next step.

Goal 3: See
There is beauty in everything, you just have to see it. Look for it. Seek it out. In the dark and bright moments. In the anger and happiness. The shallow and hollow. The broken and bound. Strive to see the beauty. It is there and it will inspire you to keep easing forward.

Two toes at a time.

Now, let's go. You don't have to jump, ease if you have to, but it's time to move.

Sincerely,
A familiar voice