I've seen many people post on social media as this new year has begun. Many of these posts entail some sort of "I want to grow this next year" tactic. Most of us have created resolutions whether they be personal or blunt for the world to see. Some resolutions entail physical growth such as getting back in shape or overcoming a fear. Others entail creative growth such as finally writing music or learning to freely express oneself. And others have created a resolution to grow spiritually in their walk with God. But is is possible to work on all three? For me personally, these are three areas I want to see prayerfully grow - in that order.

I want to grow in my relationship with God this year (and every year to come as this will never cease). I want my prayers to grow bigger yet mindful of God's will. I want my fears to shrink as I recognize God's presence in all situations and His mighty plan that prevails all. But I want to continue absorbing and learning through His Word and I want to experience the infinitude and timelessness of it.

I want to grow creatively. I want to reach my potential in expressing myself through art whether it be music or actually getting back into painting. I want to take the time to write poetry again and write music with people. I want to glorify God through this and allow it to be another form of praise for the Creator.

I want to grow physically. Though this one seems like your typical "I want to get back into shape" resolution, it means much more. I want to overcome fears that have stopped me from growing in the past. I don't want these fears to be my roadblock anymore, but I want them to make me stronger as I relentlessly pursue the path God sets before me. Then comes your typical "new year's resolution," I want to nourish my body right. This means getting enough sleep for me to function the next day and allowing time for sit down, healthy meals in college. Also, I want to get back in the gym and build up the motivation to go most of the week. Though this will be a challenge, I am willing to take it and push myself to grow through it.

However, in the beginning of this article, I stated that this is prayerful growth. God is the absolute center of my personal growth; what good would an investment in personal growth be if it weren't glorifying Him in the end? Allowing God to be the center of our resolutions and personal growth is the key as His will prevails. Let's let go of the reigns and allow our growth to come through Him this year.