Monday officially kicks off 2022 for me. The first two days of 2021 were spent celebrating Jesus’ birth, our family and welcoming the new year. The time was chaotic, funny, affirming and filled with food fit for a king. At one point in the preparation process, my daughter and I looked at each other and asked, “Whatever happened to pizza and chips on a sheet in the living room?”

The holidays are tidily wrapped up and set aside for another twelve months. Now my mind automatically turns to what comes next. Sitting in the stylists chair at my favorite salon with my favorite stylist making suggestions for a new look, I casually said, “Maybe the key to a successful new look is to TRY HARDER and take more time with my hair.”

It made us laugh as we considered the ramifications of TRY HARDER as the slogan for the new year. I don’t know that trying harder is always the answer, but sometimes it is.

In this new year, I am stepping out and feeling stretched in ways that are sometimes uncomfortable. Last night I thought my insides were being twisted and wrung out like a wet towel. The reason? My daughter was teaching me how to use an online document signing platform. She was as calm as a cucumber and encouraged me to take a deep breath because it was going to be fine. I did not feel fine. I thought I was choking.

As I consider all the new adventures on the horizon, I need to slow down and take a deep breath. If learning new skills is good for the brain, then my brain should be on next level greatness in a few more months.

One strategy I am intentionally employing is to be aware of any agreements I live by. I wrote about healthy agreements three years ago; you can check that out here. This week I want to take a closer look at what I agree with so I can be the best version of me in the coming year. I believe you will benefit as well.

The scripture for this week is taken from Paul’s letter to the church in Colosse. He gives them the following charge:

¹²Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. ¹³Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. ¹⁴Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. ¹⁵And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. ¹⁶Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. ¹⁷And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:12-17

As you move about your day today, notice what agreements you have made and how they impact your daily activity. Are they healthy? Are they true? Are they good for you?