It's a brand new year [ALREADY??], and to most that means new resolutions & re-evaluations of goals and priorities.

Unfortunately, a high percentage of New Year Resolutions tend to fizzle out by the second week of January.  Why?  Because it's HARD to form new, worthwhile habits, but oh so easy to keep the bad ones.

While I am absolutely no expert in forming & keeping good habits, I must remind myself daily of these things following:

> Time is a gift.

One will ALWAYS do what they desire to do.  Always.

For example, as I sit typing these thoughts while the halflings are sleeping, I realize I should probably take a small nap myself & regather my energy for the rest of the day.  But that's not what I want to do (even though I feel pretty exhausted right now).  So here I sit writing until the words fade from my brainhole, and then I may afterward pick up my latest book & read till the last possible moment before naptime ends. . .

People always do what they desire.  The MAKE the time---be it good or bad.

Perhaps it's time to re-evaluate. 

Honestly, that mountain of laundry can wait while you play Legos with your three year old for 15 minutes.  No, the kitchen won't clean itself (to our utter dissatisfaction), but taking an evening family walk is so much more worthwhile than an immaculate kitchen & clean dishes before bed.  Yes, frustration comes so easily when the ten month old is teething & beyond grumpy and you have other responsibilities screaming at you to finish, when all she wants is for you to snuggle her for 10 minutes because she NEEDS that time of soothing.

Before having children, I never realized just how much time is a gift.  And that it's meant to be spent wisely!  Yes, all of those responsibilities are important & are things you WILL accomplish eventually because you enjoy a clean, organized home where your family & others can come visit & relax.  But SERIOUSLY, what is 10 or 15 minutes, especially when spent fully present with those you love??

> Focus on what truly matters.

I have my priorities.  I wrote them out at the start of this year, 2022.  They are not resolutions.  They may differ slightly from last year's, but they are so very important to me all the same.  I won't go into details, because they are mine & you have your own, but my top two will probably ring true for most mamas I know.

1) My quiet time with my Lord.

2) My husband & my children.

Sadly, the first has not been followed daily as it should.  And this is---beyond the importance of my hubby & kiddos---THE highest priority of my life.  Because if I have everything right with my Lord, and I'm in His holy presence EVERY DAY, then everything else will fall into place.  It's as simple as that.  I've experienced it!  I am so much more at peace with myself & others when I have spent time with God.

To reach that goal, I must MAKE TIME.  And for me that means, getting to bed at a decent hour & rising early in the morning.  No late night reading sessions (no matter how good the book is!).  And limiting screen time before hittin' the hay. . .  Pinterest is awesome, y'all, but IT'S A SOUL SUCKER!!!  You know it's true.  (Of any form of social media!)

> Be FULLY PRESENT.

In EVERYTHING.

This means setting down the cell phone---if that means DIYing a "phone jail" for the family at dinnertime, so be it---and giving your full attention to the adorable jabbering of a toddler, even if you don't understand the cute nonsense he's speaking.  Or giving up a chore (that does need accomplishing) to play a quick game with a sibling---believe me, the chore will still be there.  Or perhaps dragging the family out for a much needed walk down the road or to the park---no screens, no earbuds---for the life-giving fresh air & exertion of energy.  Or maybe visiting a grandparent for a couple hours one evening---believe me, you will make. Their. DAY.

Simply put, wherever you are, give the place and the people (most importantly) your full focus.  Be fully there.  You won't regret it.

> > > > > > > > > > < < < < < < < < < <

Be encouraged!

You are so loved & so valued.  Your Time is a precious gift, and one of THE most cherishable things you could give to someone.  Don't take it for granted.

<3