One of my favourite New Year’s traditions is to slow down with pen and paper and to reflect on the year that has gone by. To kick off 2021, here are 10 of my commitments for 2021, shaped by the many important life lessons learned in 2020. Penning this list has helped me to see God’s purposes for 2020, and that it wasn’t a ‘waste’ of a year.
- I commit to slowing down, to being fully present in the margins of the mundane and to find joy in life’s little moments.
- I commit to accepting the limitations that have been weaved into my humanity, and to depend on the God who never grows faint or weary.
- I commit to redeeming “Cancel Culture” with compassion and empathy—to be quick to listen and slow to speak, quick to apologise and slow to assume.
- I believe that God has the power to move mountains, but more often than not, He has chosen to give me the strength to climb. I commit to perseverance in faith and godliness—in spite of my feelings and no matter the circumstances.
- I commit to giving people my quality time so that they don’t feel rushed, unheard or unimportant in my presence.
- I commit to consuming more offline content that stretches the imagination and helps my mind to focus on what is true, good and beautiful.
- I commit to being patient in prayer and to trust in God’s wisdom and will in the unknown.
- I commit to saying “no” more readily, so that I can say “yes” to the things that matter and give my best to existing responsibilities.
- I commit to praying for leaders in our world, communities and churches—for wisdom, renewal of strength, courage, purity and integrity of character.
- In a heavily filtered world exhausted by fake news, I commit to honesty and speaking truth in love.
What are some of your 2021 commitments, goals or resolutions? Let me know in the comments below!
2 responses to “10 Commitments for 2021”
I really like your list Heidi – every single one! I haven’t had the time yet to write out anything but I’ve certainly been thinking very similar things. I think for myself i would add something to the number 7 idea… About regularly submitting/surrendouring fully my desires in honest prayer, and more readily embracing God’s plans and purposes for my day/time especially when its not what i had in mind or planned.
Thanks for stopping by! I love your thoughts about being honest in prayer but surrendering the outcome to God. Sometimes, I feel the pressure to pray what is “right” while dismissing my heart’s desires. Thanks for reminding me that there is room for both honesty and surrender.