As the year comes to an end I look at all my books that are started or half completed. I seem to begin every New Year by looking at the unfinished things that need to get completed and the loose ends that need to be wrapped up. At first glance I am overwhelmed. I make unrealistic promises to myself that I will not buy another book until I finish the ones on my pile……HAHA! (A guest recently told me about a book she purchased from the Keswick book table….yep..I made a beeline for the book table to check it out!) This is only one small area of my life. Add to my accumulating books that need reading all the other stuff and my head just might spin!

The work goal sheet sits on my desk. I just need to make five goals and plan how to reach them in 2013. Yet it scares me to fill it out and make a commitment. Then I look at my house, currently under repair, and there is cleaning, painting and organizing. Ok, I am feeling my head beginning to go round and round.

Let me ask you a question, “How do you eat an elephant”? Answer: “One bite at a time”. I say to you and to myself: make priorities that are do-able. Don’t finish five books, complete one. Pick one closet to clean out and forget the basement and garage for now.  Lose 2 pounds not 10. Part of our frustration and fear comes from trying to do it all and doing nothing well.

Jesus is the perfect example. He knew what He needed to do. He healed and He didn’t heal. He fed thousands but not every day. He traveled but He went to the garden too. At the end Hhe could declare, “It is finished”! Rather than working on ALL we have to do, why don’t we do what Jesus did? Start each day hearing from the Lord. Get HIS orders and do them. Take time to “do” but take time to “be.” 

Learn to be okay with interruptions – that’s life.  Understand that we won’t finish it all so it is important to know what needs to come first.  Remain flexible enough to have our list rearranged as needed. If you are confident in the One who is arranging your list then be comfortable, confident and content with what you achieve.

If you agree that you need to put first things first according to what God is asking of you, then I invite you to take on a worthwhile challenge. Join me as I read through the Bible in 2013. Keswick’s Joy in the Journey Bible Reading Plan is available on our website. Join me on Facebook and share what you are learning. (Search for America’s Keswick on Facebook and look for our Bible Reading Plan group. Click on “ask to join” and become part of the conversation. You will also be able to share what you are learning as you read each day.) I truly believe that if you and I get this first thing accomplished each day we will see the rest of the elephant follow. 
So, let’s get ready, get set and go into this New Year!

Blessings,
Kathy Withers

Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 26 years.  They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.