2023: Uneven Terrain
The New Year is just around the corner. I don’t know about you but I am not one for New Year’s resolutions, but I do find value in reflecting on the past year and going into the new year with some intentional direction. I set some time aside earlier this week to go for a nice long trail run to reflect and pray about the past year and to think about how I want to enter the new year. I wasn’t expecting this, but God used the terrain of the trail to help give me some direction into 2023.
I am a complete novice when it comes to trail running. I run the same miles of pavement around my neighborhood a few days a week. I have come to know that terrain very well. I know where the potholes are and where the blind driveways are. I can zone out and go without thinking too much about my surroundings. Trail running is totally different. I was surrounded by a beautiful greenbelt and creek but the reality was that I had to keep my head down and focus on each step because the ground was littered with jagged rocks. If I took my eyes off the ground in front of me my chances of rolling an ankle went up exponentially.
As I was running along the trail, I sensed God saying this is how he wants me to go into 2023. Focusing on each step, intentionally placing my foot with each stride. As cliché as it sounds, I sensed God saying that the only way I can move forward into 2023 with any peace or ease of mind is if I take each step with him. If I chose to look up and take my focus off of him, I will very likely roll my ankle. Mind you I woke up with a sore ankle and twisted knee that are doing their job of reminding me of the many missed steps I took on my run.
As I was running, I was asking God if he needed me to slow down this year. Is that how I am supposed to be intentional and focus on him? I have a tendency to do too much and too fast. I often do then think. This can make living or working with me a bit of a challenge at times. But as I was running, I sensed God affirming that he created me to move quickly at times and that is a good thing. But there are times when I need to slow down because the road is very uneven, and there may very well be times when I need to stop to enjoy the beauty around me.
So, I am going to keep moving forward into 2023, but with more intentionality and focus than in 2022. I don’t want to roll my other ankle or tweak my other knee. What about you? Have you taken some time to reflect on the past year and ask God what he desires for you in 2023? I’d love to hear what he is telling you.
Grace and peace ‘til we rise in glory.
