You may be thinking I’m off my rocker wishing you a Happy New Year on Easter Sunday. No, I’ve not taken a trip back in time (though wouldn’t that be nice?). I’ve not been dipping into the “Mommy’s Time Out” pinot grigio (that may come later!) So, why am I taking this odd turn on this beautiful Sunday morning?
It’s a bit simple, but then again, it’s not.
Like some of you, the new year’s intentions I wrote a few months back, while still in plain sight, have er..um.. fallen by the wayside. When I sat down with my kids on the first day of 2015 to write them, they made perfect sense. Filled with common sense goals and clear objectives, I eschewed to accomplish things like working out more, eating better, investing in my spiritual growth, and having more fun.
I’ve done nearly the exact opposite of each of those intentions and the result? Let’s just say there’s a few more pounds on my 5’3 frame, a bit more dust on my treadmill, a halt in my church attendance, and fun? What’s that?
I could say that life’s challenges have prevented me from achieving my goals. My full-time job, two busy teen-agers, a harsh winter, all contributed to my downfall. And while these may have played a part, there’s only one reason for my backsliding. Me.
Over the past months, I’ve turned into a person I don’t recognize. Skeptical. Constantly tired. Low energy. Struggling. Unmotivated. This is not me. For those who know me well, they’ve seen a dip in my positive attitude, an increase to my inner confusion, and an unwillingness to change anything. The advice I’ve given to others during their own struggles, I ignored.
Yesterday, I had coffee with one of my very best friends. We met only a few years ago in an odd but divinely inspired manner. We’ve become each other’s confidantes and cheerleaders. We don’t see each other often enough but yesterday amidst the Easter grass and colored eggs, we found a few hours to catch up.
As I told my latest ‘boo-hoo’ story, I could see her wiggling in her chair, struggling with something. I wasn’t quite sure what it was and so I quickly tried to change the subject, thinking that perhaps she was tired of hearing me complain. I wouldn’t blame her. I’m tired of it too.
Before I could utter my next question, her words cut me off at the pass. “Jennifer, I’m going to tell you something and I don’t want you to be upset. But I’m telling you because I love you and I want you to be happy.” She then proceeded to tell me in her sweet, kind way, to get off the stick and do something; to stop waiting for the magic solution to drop out of heaven, and take baby steps towards something…anything. She told me that she’d be there to support me in whatever capacity I needed. She told me that I was loved and valued. She told me I have a gift to share with the world and I needed to start sharing it.
My very own wake-up call – and not coincidentally, with the nearly the same words I’d said to her in the past. (Well, her words sounded much better with her lovely accent.) Karma?
As I look outside to the brilliant sunshine filling my office on this Easter Sunday, her words are still with me. Today, more than January 1, marks the real New Year for me. Today, with the promise of the risen Lord, who overcame struggles I will never comprehend, I am attempting to take that bold step out of my funk, and return to who I am and who I was meant to be. I’m filled with hope, more determination than I’ve had in a while, and yes, a little fear too. But that’s ok. I’m well supported by my friend and my Creator who knew I’d hit this bump in the road when He created me.
Today marks a day where anything is possible. Anything. So, if your new year’s resolutions are collecting dust bunnies instead of chocolate bunnies today, dust them off or better yet, just start over. The miracle of Easter is the promise that we can all have a do-over, whenever we need to.
I’m taking mine. Will you take yours?
