Connecting faith to life: Just the thing you need

This time of year, it seems that just about everywhere you turn, someone or something is promising “just the thing you need” to help you “become a better you” – from losing weight and getting fit to having more time to spend with family and friends and getting out of debt.

Many people make New Year’s resolutions related to these very things. Perhaps you are one of them. There seems to be something about the dawn of a new year that makes us eager to lay aside some bad habits and pick up some good ones.

If you are one who sets New Year’s resolutions and at this point have stuck to them: way to go. Keep up the good work.

If, on the other hand, you have already given up on your resolution, take heart in the fact that you are certainly not alone. As good as our intentions may be, there are many people who give up on their resolutions before the month is out.

There are several possible reasons for this: Maybe the goal you set was unrealistic. Maybe you resolved to do too many things. Or maybe you ran into a roadblock, and as a result, gave up trying.

I would be the first person to encourage you to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes exercising, eating a balanced diet, and taking time to nurture your spirit through a hobby or sharing time with family and friends.

And I think God definitely wants us make healthy choices and take care of ourselves too. After all, God created us in God’s image and scripture tells us, “(We) are fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)

Yet regardless of where you find yourself in regards to New Year’s resolutions – whether you have made and stuck to them, made them and let them lapse, or do not make them at all – keep this in mind: You are a child of God and God loves you – and will – no matter what.

This is a promise that is not dependent on keeping any particular resolution, on the number you see on the scale, or on how many times you get to the gym each week.

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Kari van Wakeren is a pastor at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. She can be reached atkari.vanwakeren@firstlutheranalexandria.com and blogs at hiccupsandsomersaults.blogspot.com.

Tags: faith