New Year's "to-be" list

Several years ago, a previous small group leader gave our group this New Year's idea, to take the place of the usual New Year's "to-do" lists that people often make.

Lately, I seem to be constantly reminded of the truth that I can't "be" much without God. So rather than focusing on what I want to accomplish in the next year, this strategy involves asking God for fresh insight on what I am becoming.

Galatians 5:22-25, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."It is the "fruits of the spirit" that I am using to write a 2012 "to-be" list.

I suggest making your own. I chose the fruits that I struggle most with. The more specific you can be, the more meaningful it will be. This is what mine looks like today:

Be loving...when your kids won't leave you alone
Be joyful...at the end of the day when you are tired
Be patient...when you are running late
Be kind...when no one will notice

I don't make New Year's resolutions. Instead, I find it much more practical to re-start each day with a set of goals. So this year, I plan to start over every day asking God for help in being the things on my list. I know I won't be able to do it on my own! I've tried!

Prayer:

God, I ask that you would reveal to me the things I need on my "to be" list today. Help me to grow in being rather than simply doing. I ask that you give me big picture direction for this year, and that you would fill me with the fruit of the spirit in increasing quantities. Please fulfill me with your purposes as I concentrate on who you want me to be. Amen.