This time of year always brings about feelings of excitement and joy for me. I know some who have lost loved ones might not feel the same and that’s understandable. After losing my dad’s parents and my mom’s sister not too far apart, I see where those things take their toll on the “excitement” of seeing friends and family. But I think Christmas this year has been my favorite yet. I jokingly tell my mom that my old age is kicking in, but it seems that each passing year becomes more and more dear to my heart. I love my family so much! Of course, it’s still hard to believe that it’s all over that quickly, but I would say that for our family this was a wonderful Holiday Season!
Now onto those New Years resolutions, right? Dad and I joke about making resolutions we can keep, such as gaining 10 more pounds. It just feels better to set something attainable, ya know?
This year will be an extremely different year than any other year in my entire life, but different in a good way. The Littles are gearing up for what I believe will be our best year yet! We are currently working to get new songs together for a new album, and booking our calendar year for 2016. At the same time, Bradley and I are preparing every day to meet this sweet baby boy that LOVES to roll around and keep his mommy up at night!
As I was thinking about all of this excitement that has yet to take place, while at the same time reflecting back over this past year, I have to admit I got a little nervous. In my journal I began to pour my heart out to the Lord and tell Him all of the thoughts, fears, and what I perceived as, failures over the last year. I get nervous at the thoughts of my calling as a wife. I get nervous at the thoughts of my calling as a mom. I get nervous at the thoughts of my calling to ministry through singing. The more I realize the weight and magnitude of my callings, the more I feel ill prepared to fulfill them. I know that through Christ I can do anything and that He will equip me, but I also have to do my part in living daily in obedience to Him.
As I thought about these things the question popped into my mind: Why are resolutions only thought about in the beginning of the year? As a Christian, our resolution should be every day. Every day we need to resolve in our hearts who we will serve and submit to. Every day we should resolve in our hearts that the most important part of our day is time spent at the feet of Jesus. Every day we should resolve in our hearts to share Jesus with someone. Every day we should resolve in our hearts that fear will not over take us and we will trust in Him, no matter what comes our way. Every day.
Do I believe that we will always get this right? No. But God said in His Word that His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). So let’s make a resolution together that we can all keep: to wake up every day, not looking back at yesterday, no matter the failures or victories, and press on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14).
From our family to yours, we hope you have a blessed 2016. The Littles hope to see you on the road!
Rebecca Little Burke
