Our 2016 Un-Resolutions

Happy New Year!

While everyone is focused on setting new goals, new resolutions, and discovering their dreams for 2016, we’ve decided to identify three things we’re NOT going to do!

Please don’t misunderstand, setting new goals, and identifying your purpose is all good and necessary for personal and spiritual growth. However, this year we decided to do something a little different.

Every year we evaluate the previous year and identity our goals for the upcoming year which we will share next week, but this year we took some time to think about what we’re NOT going to do.

 

1. We are NOT going to allow social media to steal our time from the present moment.

Social media has taken on the world, invading family time, stealing time from work, and distracting drivers. As parents, we set the example, it’s not just the kids who abuse social media. Adults sit at the table or on the couch during family time with their cell phones. No judgement here, just self-observation, and this year we decided social media and cell phones will not steal our family time!

2. We are NOT going to say yes to others more than we say yes to each other!

Since we serve as Pastors, it’s really easy for us to say yes to people who have needs. We believe that true discipleship takes place when you are in relationship. But relationships require time, and too many times we find ourselves over extending ourselves to those who have a need, and then we are too tired for each other. However, you don’t have to be a Pastor to have this imbalance.

How many times have you been there for a friend, stayed late at work, went out of your way to do something for yourself; but when your spouse, your children or a family member asks you to spend time with them, you were too tired? Well, this year we plan on reserving our energy for each other and our family by learning to keep the balance and “say no to the good for the sake of the better.”

 

3. We are NOT going to sleep on opportunities.

A few weeks ago, we released The Game Ledger. A concept we created during times of financial challenge. In a previous blog, we shared the history and making of the ledger and mentioned that we used our original ledger for nine years. It wasn’t until we began this blog that we were inspired to publish the official Game Ledger. Although God’s timing is always perfect, what it showed us is, how many times do we have an idea that we sit on, and we either never get around to it, or we kick ourselves when someone else creates it?

After receiving such positive feedback from families who are enjoying using The Game Ledger, it was a gentle kick in our rears that encouraged us to not sleep on our ideas, yet seize the opportunities as God leads. In all honesty, we’ve been sitting on a devotional that we’ve been wanting to publish, so stay tuned for that release in the near future.

So there you have it, the three areas we identified that we are NOT going to do in 2016. As we mentioned at the beginning of this blog, we do realize the importance of brainstorming, reflecting and setting new goals, dreams and resolutions for the New Year. Next week, we will share the tools we use to ensure a successful year.

In the meantime, we want to encourage you to think about your UN-RESOLUNTIONS. What are you NOT going to do that steals you from the priorities of God…God, Spouse, Family, Ministry, Work?

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~André and Timberley Gray