I am not a huge proponent of new years resolutions. Although, I am proud to say I have made and kept a few here and there over my 35 years. There are definitely some which I failed to maintain throughout a few given years, and while I can see the merit in making goals and attempting to better ourselves, I all too often feel as if these resolutions are an attempt at changing things in ourselves we don't like and we miss an even deeper invitation.
I was reflecting on the past year (2018) and thinking ahead to 2019, when a thought occurred to me. What if I intentionally invested in my soul, and took notice of how God worked through this over the coming year? I have read numerous books in the arena of Spiritual Formation and I have been on spiritual retreats and even had the experience of investing in a long journey with a cohort of people specifically giving ourselves to the path of spiritual depth and shaping.
I found myself looking at 2019 and saying, "My soul needs to be a primary goal."
I had inconsistently over the past year and half, read my Bible, spent time in prayer and other spiritual disciplines and practices, but on the door step of a new year, I found myself hungry for more and thirsty for consistency. So, while my goal for my soul is not technically a New Year's resolution, it will serve the purpose of helping me to find greater spiritual depths this next year, and to hopefully allow space for God to do what only God can do - shape my soul and confer upon me my true identity.
I will be rereading numerous texts I have read in the past, with the goal of taking my time and meditating on them slowly. Additionally, I hope to spend time with a spiritual director and find time for some retreats along the way as well.
My hope and prayer for anyone reading this, is that you would not take your soul for granted, and not set it on the back burner as if it is less important than other aspects of your life. Rather, I hope you will find the necessary path to prioritize your soul and its shaping, and allow God the time and space to do what God does. Blessings and Happy New Year!
