Be It Resolved…

Blackwater Falls, Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia

Farewell, sweet January.

You came to me so bright and unspoiled, with open hands full of possibilities.

As I watch your final day unfold, I linger with this: Did I make a good start?

Or have I begun the year already behind?

I look for victories on a small scale. Moments, not milestones.

Writing most days. Drinking more water. Reaching out to a friend.

Then I recall a statement that came to my mind as I prayed a couple of weeks ago:

“You draw me out.”

Jesus, You draw me out of my fear of the new. When Mr. Pettit suggested we try snow tubing earlier this month, my default setting was to say, “No.” But You drew me out of my comfort zone and set me in a rubber tube, skidding down an icy chute, and I laughed like a child at a playground.

You draw me out of the trap of perfection. You nudge me to work on another novel, although it will have flaws. It may not be published. But I’ll continue to write, because that is what You are whispering to my heart.

You draw me out of old, creaky habits, poor choices, and the belief that I am too old to change.

But before all these things, Almighty God, You drew me out of the prison of my wretched self. You made me new. I still struggle sometimes—oh, Father, only You know how often I miss the mark—but You continue to craft me into the person You dreamed of before I was born. Thank You for Your Patience.

And, please, draw me into Your Presence.

Canaan Valley State Park, West Virginia