At the beginning of 2019 I wrote a
blog post on the word “freedom.” I basically wanted to focus on this word and
how I could find freedom in Christ throughout 2019. Looking back, I grew so
much in my relationship with God and seeking true freedom. I let go of a lot of
things and put them directly in God’s hands. I relied on Him and what His
meaning for my life was. I saw how true freedom in Christ was such a relief. It
meant that I didn’t have to handle my problems, I didn’t have to pretend to be
someone that I wasn’t, and I could express to God how I felt about each
situation. I did make some mistakes. I didn’t always pursue freedom. And
sometimes, days after something would happen, I would realize that I needed to
refocus. 2019 was a bit of a roller coaster with great times and terribly sad
times. There were many times where my heart was just so broken for others. It
was often times confusing because I felt as though 2018 was great for people
around me while it was terrible for me but then 2019 was great for me but so
terrible for others. I had to really learn how to separate my emotions for
myself and others. I felt as if I was constantly praying for peace for others.
Maybe this is because I was starting to truly find freedom in Christ and knew
that in His freedom was peace. Overall though, I am glad to see another year
and a form of restart for those that I saw suffering. 2019 was a year of
learning and relying on God. A year of freedom. And a year that I am very
thankful for.
For this new year, I want to continue
to find freedom in Christ and work on that each and every day. But I would also
like to create a new vision. I’ve thought a lot about what I wanted my word for
2020 to be. I came up with several words but kept coming back to a one specific
word. Intentional. This year I want to focus on being intentional. I want to be
intentional in every aspect of my life. This includes being intentional with
others, being intentional with my time, being intentional about my actions and
so much more.
The word intentional means “done on
purpose.” God has called each of us by name and has a purpose for our lives.
Romans 8:28 says “and we know that in all things God works for the good of
those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” I want to
know that each little thing I do I am doing out of love for God because that is
His purpose for my life. Will I fail? ABSOLUTELY. But my hope is that I can
spend more time thinking about my actions and words so that I may be
intentional about loving Christ.
I also picked this word because I
love how intentional Christ is with us. He made each of us unique. He spent
time thinking about His creation. There have been so many moments in my life
where I could see that God was intentional with me. Where He was so specific
about my needs or where He revealed something that was purposeful for my life. I
hope that I can reflect His intentionality through my life with others.
My prayer for you this year is that
you will be intentional about everything you do in 2020. That you will find
purpose behind your actions, relationships, and the words that come out of your
mouth. Remember that God has called us for a purpose, and we are to live that
purpose out. I am praying that your year is full of good times, learning moments
and that you grow closer in your relationship with God. Let’s do this 2020!
-Mary Ashton