Focusing on the Future

I think this is one of the first times in my life that I've truly been looking forward to the start of a new year. So excited, in fact, that I just scarfed down my lunch so I could get to writing this post (and I'm now suffering the consequences of a fully tummy).

Today at church I was inspired. On the brink of a week long break - not a vacation so much as a time out on the busyness of life - our pastor's message out of Romans 12:1-2 challenged me that "looking back and evaluation is just as important as planning forward."

I've heard business seminars and workshops quote the famous line that says, "All things that are watched improved," but I've not previously applied that principle to my personal life - until today.

This morning I was impacted by the following points (condensed for brevity's sake):

• I can't serve God properly unless I work excellently.
• Decisions of the heart are followed by actions of the will.
• Decide who/what you're living for - all other decisions will follow that one.
• Your life system is perfectly designed to get the results you're getting right now.

That last one got me, for a couple of reasons. I often find it so easy to strive and work hard in life that I can sometimes forget why I'm doing it all. At moments of clarity, like this one, I suddenly realize I'm no longer enjoying the process of living because I'm working too hard for the end result that - ultimately - I'm not in control of (for I can only submit to God's will for me; I can't earn salvation; being good "enough" isn't possible).

What does this collection of tangent thoughts come together to ultimately say? It says that this week I've planned to have an extended time-out is already well prepared - by God, I believe. I've set aside time to spend in introspection and planning, and now, after today, some much needed review. Here's what I'm going to do this week (and its hereby writing commits me to actually doing it):

• Resting (no email, no phone, no Facebook, no blogging...no Ebay) :)
• Reflecting - through reading books like, "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron and "Sacred Rhythms" by Ruth H. Barton
  
• Refreshing my inner creative and seeking God in the quietness - through reading His Word and playing the guitar or piano
• Rediscovering who I am and planning for the future in that freedom - through catching up with a book I started months ago: Dane Sanders' "Fast Track Photographer"

So, from tomorrow through January 10, 2009 I'm taking a break. Wish me well and forgive my brief absence. I hope to update you all soon regarding this journey! I'm so excited.

Should a present, past or future client be in urgent need of anything, please call our business line at (888) 810-4322 - as you will be directed to by wonderful partner and husband, Matt.


Blessings in this New Year,
Christine Lee Smith