MOPS: January Coordinator's Article

Typically, January is a time for change. For resolutions. For a reevaluation of one’s life and the subsequent plan to make this new year the “best one yet”. Diets are started, gyms are joined, projects are begun and attitudes are changed. That is, until the motivation wears off and we go back to our old ways, leaving us even less satisfied with our lives than before.

Yet why should we be so dissatisfied with ourselves? We have recently been through the Christmas season, with all of it’s splendors in the form of gathering with loved ones, giving and receiving gifts, an over-abundance of delicious food and most importantly, the celebration of our Lord and Savior’s birth. After being given all of this, how can we not be satisfied with our lives?

Unfortunately, many people are dissatisfied with themselves, even amidst such abundance. Instead of seeing a table full of food at dinnertime, so many of us complain about what’s to eat. Instead of seeing a closetful of clothing, some of us claim that there is “nothing to wear.” Our mirrors and scales become our biggest enemies when reality differs from our mind and society’s ideal.

Our problem, however, is not a lack of possessions, worth or possibilities. Rather, the problem here is inward focus, which results in dissatisfaction and discontent. We become blind to what we have been given and instead focus only on what we lack, or think we lack. We are focusing on ourselves instead of on Jesus, the one on whom our eyes should always remain.

Jeremiah 31:14 has been written as a means for reminding us where our focus should be. “’And my people shall be satisfied with my goodness,’ declares the Lord.” When we focus on God’s goodness, we can plainly see all of the blessings He has bestowed on us. His Goodness has hand-carved each of us to be who we are with unique personalities, characteristics and talents. He has given all of us so much, which is evident when we open our eyes in thanksgiving. And when it gets right down to it, what more can we really want? God has already given us everything in Jesus Christ, in the Word made flesh, the light that has overcome the darkness of sin and death.

So why not start 2011 as a Year of Satisfaction, rather than ferreting out all of the areas in which we are lacking? Be content with what God has given to you and how He has made you. Know that you are perfect the way that you are. By focusing on His goodness, we are honoring ourselves in the way in which He meant to create us. God loves you the way that you are and longs for you to embrace this. So go ahead and make this your resolution for 2011. You’ll be glad that you did. More importantly, Jesus will.