Any new year comes with ambitions for new hopes and leaves to turn. We sit down and judge the previous year’s failures and shortcomings. Our pencil hits the paper, and we write out the BHAGs, Big Hairy Audacious Goals, we want but continue to fail to work toward year after year.
As a Christian, I should read the Bible and pray for at least two hours a day, right? How much higher should that number be for me as a Chaplain?
From 2013-2018 I made many attempts to read the Bible in a year. It was a habit I saw in the most spiritual figures in my life. They can hear from God well because of their daily devotion to Jesus. I wanted to be like them. I tried and failed several times. I would start an annual Bible reading plan in the Bible App. I would gain a few days of momentum and fall off. Rather than picking back up, I’d give up for the year even though there were plenty of days to put in some work.
It wasn’t until Dec 31, 2019, that I finally accomplished the goal of reading the Bible in a year. I read at a different daily hour, but I did catch up here and there. At times, I was fourteen days behind! As bad as it felt, I would get back on course and finish the plan within one year. I’ll begin my fourth year of reading the Bible because I finally gave myself a break when I missed a day or two.
Let’s make 2023 about progress and not perfection. You don’t need to fix everything in your life in 365 days. Instead, commit to taking steps in the right direction. And if you fail the plan after a few days or weeks, give yourself a break. It’s okay. Make a plan and commitment to get back on the horse within the same calendar year — no need to wait until 2024 to make a new plan.
I’m cheering for you, friend. I’m here; you’re not alone.
P.S. I don’t recommend grading your spiritual health on someone else’s habits.