We are now a week into the new year. The celebrations are over, teachers and students returned to school, and daily routines are beginning to feel normal once again. People who made resolutions, or set goals, for 2019, are taking the first steps toward breathing life into their new vision, but dreams are fragile in their infancy. Without care, we fall back into old patterns, get distracted, and even give up.

Now is the time to accept that there will be challenges, surprises, and obstacles, to acknowledge that our resolve will be tested. It is also the perfect time to embrace the possibilities awaiting in the year ahead. Whether the new year greeted us with unexpected concerns or we find ourselves enmeshed in the mundane, we can lift our eyes, dream God-sized dreams, and have faith.

The new year did not begin the way I expected. I planned to be on vacation, celebrating the holiday with family. I believed the time away would be refreshing and inspirational. I also believed I would be healthy. Unfortunately, sickness visited our home on Christmas Day, changing our plans, and creating an unplanned staycation. Except for two trips to the pharmacy and grocery store, we spent our vacation in our house.

The circumstances created some disappointment and discouragement, but it also came with hidden opportunities: significant time to catch up on needed rest, time to read several books, and opportunities to capture fresh vision for the year ahead. It wasn’t what I wanted, but it seems it was what I needed. There was temptation to whine in frustration, and I gave in on a few occasions, however, a little holy perspective allowed me to redeem the time. As I reflect on this time of illness, I find an increasing number of blessings and opportunities.

Vacation illness may not be the most significant challenge, but it is a great illustration. Achieving our goals and fulfilling our resolutions will not happen without rising up in the face of resistance, taking our thoughts captive, and embracing the Spirit-filled power to overcome. In the face of my initial obstacles, I added one more goal for this year. In addition to my original dreams, I resolved to savor every day, not because every day will be easy or desirable, but because it will be the day I am given.

Our attitudes and actions may not change our circumstances, but they will change us in, and through, our circumstances. If we stand our ground, if we embrace the call to be strong and courageous, if we keep moving forward, we will accomplish more than we can imagine.

So, the new year is here. What it holds is a mystery, but as we persist in embracing the possibilities, we will discover Jesus’ words to be true, “seek and you will find.” May our search be fruitful and our future blessed as we walk our days by faith.