New Years Resolutions. Do Less! By Lane Jordan Burday

Probably the first thing that comes to our minds on January 1 is planning our resolutions. And that’s not a bad thing! We all need to improve our lives in every area: spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.

But usually, it’s a list of unattainable ambitions that fall flat. In fact, 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions are already abandoned by mid-February, says author Amy Wilson. She suggests a better idea—instead of adding commitments, we can see the new year as an opportunity to do less, to “start saying no” to some of our obligations that don’t give all that much, to others as well as ourselves.

We are in a world that constantly compels us to do and be more. I am so guilty of “doing and doing” rather than waiting on what God wants me to do. It’s a different idea than the simple one Jesus gave to His disciples—to “abide in Him”.

In John 15, Jesus shares that He is the strong vine and we are the branches. Branches don’t grow through working harder but through the nourishment received from the vine. We need to finally let go of self-reliance and rest in Jesus, finding nourishment in Him, for apart from Him, we really cannot do anything.

Yes, you and I can see a life of less anxiety, less striving, and more resting in God’s love and letting it flow to those around us. As John 15:12 tells us, “Love each other in the same way I have loved you.”

My prayer for you this New Year is to take time to ‘be’ with Jesus daily. To be quiet and listen for His voice, to remember to pray daily, and to read His life-giving Word. And most of all, to love yourself with care as you love others.

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