This year is about to close out, and we will be bringing in a brand new year.  Perhaps, as you look back on this year, you might see that you have not accomplished all that you thought you would accomplish, or maybe you started on the right road, but somewhere along the way, you got off track.

Take heart, the New Year is a great time to start all over, to gain a fresh perspective, to leave past failures where they belong, in the past and start new.

I tend not to make resolutions because it usually is just a sure setup for failure. I have done it, failed, that is.  I’ve tried the Bible in a year plans, and try as I might to lose weight or at least not gain, and have failed.

But, a new year is a great time to start over. I will employ what has worked for me, which is to just to take one day at a time, not to look at the end of the week, or month, just the day.  Try it! Don’t beat yourself up if you miss, just do it the next day!

For instance, there are at least two things that takes commitment on my part that I really have to be purposeful, one is daily Bible reading, and walking for exercise.  Establishing a routine is one of the greatest tools for success.

To help me with my commitment to read my Bible, I read every morning after I returned from my walk. I also had to scratch the scheduled plans and create my own Bible reading plan. My plan lasted more than a year, but this year I completed my first time reading through the Bible! I missed a few days, but whenever I missed, I just picked up where I left off. I would read one chapter of the Old Testament and one chapter of the New Testament. Of course, that means reading the New Testament more than once.

For this upcoming year, I found a new 2-year Bible Reading plan that is similar to my own plan which I will try. But I already know that I will give myself room for the Sunday readings, because I attend church morning and evenings. So, my 2-year plan may take a little longer, but reading through, I will. I am so looking forward to begin with Genesis again!

For my walking commitment, after I have had my prayer time in the morning, I typically head out the door to drive to the park for my walk.  I set out to walk at a park 4 miles, 5 days a week. This year, my MapMyWalk app shows that I did 1344 miles.  I missed many days due for various reasons, but it has been my commitment; and on January 2nd, I plan to find my feet back on the pavement again doing my 4 miles.

Aren’t you glad we get to start over?