Happy New Year

It's the end of a long week. We drove the eight hours from home to St. Louis on Tuesday, spent 5 hours at Siteman Cancer Center for Mr. 1inamillion's chemo treatment on Wednesday, went back for a couple of hours on Thursday for him to get his Neulasta shot then hit the road towards Texas. We made it to Arkadelphia, Arkansas and stopped for the night, then got up and drove the remaining 5 and a half hours to Livingston, TX. Today? Zero travel! For Dane and I, anyway. Things 1 and 2, however, have made countless loops on the 4-wheeler with their cousins.


I was able to walk a few miles this morning and contemplate my goals for the new year. My goals for 2010 were to complete a bible study and my first road race. I'm happy to say that I achieved both. I managed to not come in last at Victory in the Valley's East Meets West 5k, and I made it through two bible studies and I hope to repeat those accomplishments again this year. The goal I settled on for 2011 this morning is simply to be a better steward of gifts God has given me. What does that mean? Really, it boils down to all of the typical resolutions.

• Be more attentive to my health. Lose the weight last year's gluttony earned and take care of the body I've been given. It means slowing down when the pain suggests I should; eating mostly fuel my body was intended to use (food God makes) and stopping at what it is capable of burning.


• Reduce our spending and our debt. Be a good steward of the job and money God has given me. Give back enough that it hurts a bit.


• Using my time as I should. I can't control where and often how it must be spent, that is clear. Regardless of where we are, am I making the most of it? Am I spending it as a servant? Am I following his plan for me? I hope we are living to the fullest, soaking it all in. Time is a gift.

Lose weight, save money. I have all of the usual to accomplish. My hope is to remain aware that it all belongs to God. Perhaps maintaining proper perspective will enable me to achieve it.