We often start the year with new year resolutions - like setting fitness, career and finance goals, whatever it is, they often revolve around ourselves. What if we choose to be different this year? What if we choose to add good to the world?
And we don’t have to set big hairy audacious goals for this. We can just decide that instead of just getting through the day, that we show up as a level 9 parent to our kid (Mandy Moore mentioned this in This is Us, season 1). We can decide that we don’t just keep our fingers crossed that there is no meltdown at home, and instead show up as a better spouse to bring joy to our home.
Choosing to add good to the world takes courage. Yes, so many times we try to do something for someone and it backfires. And when that happens, we go back to our defensive mode. But the backfiring is often not due to us trying, it is just that our trying stirs something that is often swept under the carpet. But the trying itself is good.
Looking Beyond Ourselves
When we look beyond ourselves, we rise up.
We rise up to new challenges, and rise above our fears. We may not get it right the first time, but we can resolve to keep our focus on adding good to the world. So this year, pick something other than you. For me, I'm focusing on my kiddo and doing something for God. It is scary, yet liberating at the same time. Share with me your Rise Up challenge!
(This article is modified from my devotional Adding Good to the World in 2021).