December 31, 2022 | Dan Low

As we welcome the arrival of 2023, it’s good for us to think about what we want to do and who we want to become with our God-given opportunities.

Things that we might want to do: Plan that long-awaited, much-delayed getaway—whether it’s close to home or faraway. Meet up with that friend or family that we’ve been wanting to see forever (virtually if they’re out of town or in real life if they’re local). Make healthier choices (like increasing our physical activity, eating more fruits and vegetables). Explore opportunities to volunteer in our neighborhood (because helping hands and willing hearts are always appreciated).

Things that we might want to become: Be more patient while waiting in lines and driving on the road. Work on becoming a better listener who leans in to understand, asks questions to draw others out, and pauses before speaking. Be more punctual for our appointments (whether we’re going to a medical appointment, getting together with a buddy for lunch, or meeting with God at Bread of Life). Be more intentional and purposeful with our days (which starts with asking God to open our eyes to what he’s doing around us and how we can become part of that work).

Whatever we want to do and whoever we want to become in 2023, let’s be mindful that each and every day is a precious gift from God. So rather than being presumptuous, we offer our aspirations and hopes to him with a simple prayer: “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15).

When everything is said and done, what matters forever is whether we have done what God has said. That daily resolution to obey God by the powerful strength of his Spirit and for the ultimate praise of his Son eventually translates into a lifetime that is faithful to the end, a legacy that is cherished for all eternity, and a journey that joyfully exclaims with the apostle Paul: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).