Written by Krista Vann / Photo by Amy Belawske
Today, I am celebrating!
I sat down one day around the start of a new year and planned to make a list of resolutions. I turned on some worship music and thought to myself “okay, how am I going to be better this year?” I instantly thought of at least three major areas I wanted to grow in. But I realized that the problem with my question was that I was automatically implying that who I was the year before wasn’t good enough and wasn’t meeting my expectations of who I should be. So, instead of creating a list of resolutions, I stopped and chose to celebrate. Here’s a short excerpt on my time of reflection. As we are still in the early months of 2022, I hope this blesses you!
I am celebrating God’s goodness and faithfulness over the last year. I look back on my life a year ago and I am amazed at what God has done in and through me! He has brought healing when I wasn’t even seeking it, He has taught me patience in waiting, and He has helped me to learn to trust Him when I didn’t know how to. A year ago, I wasn’t able to drive and He not only brought healing but He also blessed me with a car! He blessed me with new relationships that have taught me more about myself and how to love others. He has given me opportunities to grow in my giftings. He has surrounded me with amazing leaders to look up to. I’m beyond grateful for all of the areas He has grown in this last year. I’m astounded by all that God has done!
While celebrating all that God has done, I am also choosing to enter the next year in a posture of rest. I am choosing to rest in who God says I am. I am loved, chosen, cherished, and free. I don’t have to strive or work to earn God’s approval; I already have God’s favor through Christ. I am choosing to rest in that truth. I’m resting in the promises He has spoken over me and who He says I am.
So, as I am sitting here listening to worship music, I’m resting and celebrating what God has done this last year in anticipation of what He will do in this new year. Do I have goals? Absolutely. I never want to stop growing. But in these moments, I am intentionally celebrating what He has done and praising Him for a new year with new opportunities. I am praising Him that any failures or hang ups that have set me back don’t have to define me or this new year. I am praising God that my past doesn’t define me. Through Christ, I am forgiven, washed clean, and a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
I’m grateful for a new year to experience God’s presence, to learn how to love Him, myself, and others better, and for new opportunities to share God’s love with others. I am grateful that I can walk into this new year free from guilt, shame, and condemnation and excited that I can anticipate that God is going to do even greater things this year!
How are you celebrating today?
Song Recommendation: Exalted Over All by Vertical Worship
Love this concept and energy, Krista! I think I can definitely work more on celebrating and less on self analysis. I read in a book recently a powerful concept that I think you allude to. We come to a point where we should stop trying to be better versions of us, and focus on becoming more like Jesus! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, experiences, and feelings and I am excited for your next submission!
“ But I realized that the problem with my question was that I was automatically implying that who I was the year before wasn’t good enough and wasn’t meeting my expectations of who I should be.”
Wow this was convicting. So true! Just continuing to strive to be more like Him.