Every year, as we enter a New Year, we have high hopes for living a more meaningful, purposeful life. Here are three ideas, that can be applied by anyone from any walk of life, that will help you move on your desire to lead a more meaningful life in the New Year.
Consider these areas one by one as you evaluate this next year.
1. Make Your Spiritual Growth A Priority.
It may be true that being “spiritual” is a big trend in our day. But not everyone takes the time or energy to cultivate their spiritual devotion to deepen it’s quality and strength in their lives. Spiritual growth is intentional – it doesn’t just happen to us.
Consider putting something systematic in place (ex. attending church 2-4 Sundays a month, starting each day with prayer) that will help you keep your spiritual life in a state of constant growth and maturity.
Take the time to set up a daily rhythm, such as a brief, 10 minute scripture reading habit before you turn on your iPhone or other digital device in the morning.
You’ll be glad that you quieted your heart, turned your thoughts to prayer and reflection, and began your day with a quieted mind.
2. Ask Your Family What They Need From You.
Tonight, at dinner time, ask your family what they need from you this year. While teens and children may struggle to answer this one, you may get some surprising answers.
Your spouse, if you’re married, may see this as an opportunity to share something they feel has been missing from your part of the relationship.
Receive all input with grace, and as a clarifying gift. Then, without empty promises or overstatements, commit yourself to doing your very best to provide what has been asked of you.
Your family is your highest priority; give them all you’ve got.
3. Make A Daily Choice To Live Generously.
I’m amazed at the amount of daily opportunities to be generous with time, money, energy and care that present themselves.
For you, committing to an organization early this year that will get you outside of yourself and giving to others may be just the trick.
Or, maybe a little note you set on your breakfast table each morning that says “Live Generously” will get you going on on the right path.
Whether it’s supporting a child in poverty from the comfort of your home, listening intently to your spouse even if you’re tired, or throwing a party for all the mothers of young children in your neighborhood, find ways to put generosity into your daily life patterns.
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Question: How do you plan to review last year, and lean into this year? Do you have a set way you do this?
Resource: My ebook, 4 Steps To Making A Good Decision: A 30-Minute, Tried-and-Tested, Step-By-Step Process That Will Help You Make Your Next Big Decision, has proven helpful for many facing big decisions.
Bio: Dan Wilt, M.Min. is the creator of the Essentials In Worship Video Training Course for worship leaders and teams, and is the Founder of WorshipTraining.com, a media-training network of over 31K worship leaders and musicians. He serves as a worship leader in Franklin, TN, and has taught in Worship & Arts programs for schools like St. Stephen’s University and Indiana Wesleyan. Dan is a songwriter, hymn writer, and author, and has served as a conference speaker globally. Dan works with his church family at Vineyard USA and Vineyard Worship in various support roles, and he, his wife Anita, and 3 young adult children live in Thompson’s Station, TN. His ancient-future worship leadership blog offers weekly tools and team encouragements at DanWilt.com.