I’ve been thinking about Mary’s response when the angel told her the confusing news that she had been chosen to be the mother of God. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). It seems to me the ideal New Year’s resolution.
I’m old enough to see that God is wise not to tell me on December 31 what lies ahead. If He gave me a glimpse of my future I’d undoubtedly claim it as what I deserve (if it’s wonderful) … or else I’d run screaming the other direction crying, “I can’t do that! I can’t take it!”
Read More: Tap into Jesus’ Strength
Taking each day as He gives it to me makes it easier to say “yes.” “Yes,” because it’s here and it’s real and because I have no choice. “Yes,” because today’s tasks are sufficiently challenging, and I don’t need to catastrophize or fantasize. “Yes,” because when the first thing I do each morning is tell the Lord I am His servant, I’ve got a running shot at making that true for the next 24 hours. (Especially if I’m asleep part of that time.)
I am the Lord’s servant. I am. Today I will act like it and speak like it. Today I will be attentive to doing whatever He calls me to do. Instead of a New Year’s resolution, it’s more like a New Day’s resolution, 365 times in a row.
