Well here it is, almost the end of January. How about those goals of accomplishing great things in this new year? Are you tired yet?

I am.

I was going to tear loose and paint the kitchen. Nothing drastic, just freshen things up a bit. We live in an old mill house, which I love. But the white kitchen cabinets have about seven coats of paint on them, some of which is nicked and peeling. The kitchen could definitely use a face lift. The bathroom was worse so we started there first. Things always take longer than we expect. But we did it. Oh so fresh and clean! It gave me the motivation to do the kitchen.

Then I got the flu. It lasted just as predicted, fourteen days. By the time I recovered, painting the kitchen was waaayyy down on the list. In fact I decided I kinda like the rustic peeling look. Let’s call it shabby chic.

But every time I do laundry, there’s my paint paraphernalia quietly taunting me. Instead of rejoicing over my fresh bathroom, I sigh over my undone kitchen.

Years ago I worked with an older gentleman who apparently got tired of hearing all his female co-workers whine over the tiny amount of weight we were losing. Even though we were dieting and exercising, the poundage was not melting away as planned. He brought a box of butter and placed it on the conference table during a staff meeting.

“Ladies, when you step on the scales and have dropped only one pound, think of this. It’s a big deal!”

Suddenly we were motivated. Just seeing a pound of butter gave us a better understanding of our accomplishments.

What’s your main goal for the year? Is it to simplify your life? Start with one kitchen drawer. Is it losing weight? Take it one pound at a time. Is it to spend more time with the Lord? Start by praying in the shower. Sometimes that’s the only place you have to yourself.

Long ago a man had a huge task before him. It was nearly overwhelming to think of building the temple of God. The Lord encouraged him with these words.

“Do not despise these small beginnings! For the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” –Zechariah 4:10

Don’t give up! Chunk away at your challenges one step at a time. Picture your life next year if you continue toward your goal. The beginnings may be small, but even the Lord rejoices to see your work begin.

One last thing.

Pray about the goal to make sure it is the one the Lord wants you to have. I never did lose weight no matter how often I looked at a box of butter. Mmmm… butter. And there’s no use cleaning out closets and joining the gym all willy-nilly if God would rather you spend that time with Him. Pray this first:

“So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” –Psalm 90:12

May the God of all comfort encourage you in the small beginnings, no matter how insignificant they seem.

Taking one step at a time is a big deal!

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