People claim “2017 is going to be my year!!” but what are they doing to back that up? Didn’t they say that about ’15, ’14, ’13…? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not discouraging positive change, but more so I am asking for a true commitment.

What are you going to do to make 2017 your year?

I don’t know what your plan is, but here are some of my hopes for you in this new year.

1. I hope you say “yes.”

I hope you say yes to that invitation to coffee. To that extra thick slice of cake. To the long girls’ weekend in a mountain cabin or the trip of a lifetime that you’re terrified to go on. Say yes to something that scares the crap out of you and to something that you’re not excited about but will help that person you may never see again. Say yes because new opportunities can come up in the most unexpected places. Say yes because saying no may shut doors that were put in place for you that you were simply too cautious to go through.

2. I hope you smile.

I hope you quit clutching on to negativity. I hope you search for reasons not only to be happy, but to find that deep-set joy when skies may be cloudy. I hope you quit worrying about things you can’t change or people you can’t control. I hope you pray for them and share kind words even when you don’t feel like it. Share the smile that lives in your heart.

3. I hope you challenge yourself.

The class that seems daunting. The hobby that seems a little out of your grasp. The person who pushes your buttons. The estranged friend you’ve wanted to meet up with but have been too fearful to. Take these challenges head on. Sign up for the class, buy the stuff for that hobby even if it’s out of your budget and don’t give up on it. Be kind to that person and even extend a hand in friendship and send a text, Facebook message, or make the call to rekindle that relationship.
Don’t take the easy road every time it shows itself.

4. I hope you let go.

I hope you let go of people who discourage your dreams or of negative memories. I hope you learn forgiveness is for you and not the person you’re forgiving and that you finally let go of the grudge you’ve been afraid to let go of. I hope you breathe deeply and learn to see a good side in everything that crosses your path. I hope you learn to heal and accept forgiveness and grace.

5. I hope you are fearless.

I hope you let go of what you think a perfect future is and fearlessly step out of the boat on to the water. I hope you stop playing it safe. Reach to Jesus and fearlessly follow the plan He has for your life. I hope you stop overthinking and analyzing things and are brave.

6. I hope you live out loud.

I hope you laugh louder than you ever have, even if that means a snort sneaks out. I hope you surround yourself with people who make your spirits soar. I hope you become the person you thought you would be when you were a child. I hope you live out your faith and let nothing hide your light under a basket. I hope you speak up, speak out, and start changing the world like you always said you would.

This year, I hope you live.

Revelation 21:5a
“He who [is] seated on the throne said ‘I am making all things new!’”