Growing Pains

I do not set resolutions for myself at the beginning of each year.

I do have goals, though. Are they different from one another? Maybe, maybe not. 

Remember when I told you that for 2010 I chose the word commit as my direction for the year? And well, the word, while not always on the forefront of my mind, it was something that I believe I did achieve. I feel more committed to my family more than ever. While there are areas I would like to improve, I feel much more focused.

Thinking on a word that would sum up my goal for 2011 I kept coming to the word Grow. No, I do not physically want to grow, but in so many other areas, I would love to see growth in my life.


I want to grow in my relationship with God. I have never really taken time to daily read my bible because I always hear about how quiet time should be first thing in the morning in order for it to be effective. So, I often feel that I fail before I even begin because my body is not wired to wake up early and absorb anything I read in my bible before the sun rises. But, I sit in carpool line for about 25 mins each weekday and guess what, I can read then and absorb what I read and get excited! I can read in my chair while my children play or are asleep and I can chase "rabbits" while I read and want to learn more.

I think letting go of the expectation that reading a bible can only be done first thing in the morning is incredibly freeing. So, with my new found freedom, I pray for growth.

It is also my prayer to continue in growing relationships with my children. I feel that in the past year I am closer to my children than I really ever have been. They are a true joy and I do long to spend time with them. I pray that I can share more of God's love with them in ways that they can truly understand.

This year has brought on many changes for my relationship with Scott. We have faced new hurdles. Some we've sailed over, some we've knocked down. I always want our relationship to be one of continual growth. As we change, may our marriage change too.

And friends. I want to grow towards true, honest friendships. I do not like surface relationships, I much prefer ones with a little depth. I want to have friends who want to grow with me.

So, a few areas where I would like to grow this year. May seem very similar to my commit year, but I feel that in growth, I want to take everything and take it one step further. I do not expect it to be easy, in fact, I am certain there will be growing pains. It's all part of the process, though.