Cleaning my house recently led to a surprising and disturbing discovery as I moved the couch—revealing a collection of food, dirt, and forgotten treasures. As the new year unfolds, I find myself extending this cleaning process beyond my living room to my life as well. It's time to uncover the "dirt" that may have accumulated over the past year—unhealthy habits, sins, and the chaos of busy schedules. Here's my plan for a deep clean of my life:
Unhealthy Habits:
In my second year pursuing a Boston Qualifying time, my focus has evolved to prioritize overall health. Last year, an injury sidelined me, prompting a shift towards injury prevention. This involves staying hydrated, avoiding overtraining, increasing protein intake, and steering clear of sugary foods. What unhealthy habits do you need to address for your well-being this year?
Sin:
To assess areas of my life that might be offensive to God, I'm revisiting God's Progress Report. It involves taking intentional time to seek His guidance and make amends where needed.
Busy Schedule (a sin area for me):
My tendency to overcommit falls under the category of sin. Saying yes to everything often leads to regret. Learning to pause before agreeing to obligations has been crucial. Over the holidays, I resisted the urge to attend every light show and event, realizing the importance of preserving sleep schedules. I'm striving to be more intentional with my commitments to create a more manageable schedule.
Making Time for the Important:
Setting my alarm earlier than necessary has become a daily habit to ensure I start my day with God. Creating space for Him in the morning sets a positive tone for the entire day.
Psalm 51:10-12:
Create in me a pure heart,
O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy
of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit,
to sustain me.
Pray with me:
“God, I invite you to examine my life, point out areas that need attention, and guide me in maintaining what's beneficial while letting go of what hinders my growth. May this year be a season of renewal, restoration, and intentional living.”