As we close the chapter of the current year, I am constantly asked about a goal for the new year. Even with a blank, confused gaze, I try with all my might to offer some semblance of a response. To be completely transparent, I don’t really like goal-setting. It’s not a habit I feel confident in and when I spend time reflecting as to why I think it’s because it feels daunting. The pressure it adds seems unnecessary because let’s face it, very few people set a goal reasonable enough to make it the entire year.

So, now I come back to the question of, “What’s the point?” Well, if I’m being honest with myself, a good (realistic and attainable, yet challenging) goal can bolster up the discipline needed to complete it. I think it’s the fear of trying to complete something and not actually completing it that scares me. So if I don’t set a goal, I won’t be disappointed. But that’s not true at all. There is more disappointment in not trying than actually failing at something you gave your best effort in. God seems to use our failings to remind us of our dependence on Him. 

So, my goal this year is to stand a little taller under the shadow of the cross. What does this mean? 

1. Obey the Spirit when He presses me to share the Gospel with someone. When I am having a conversation with someone (in a store, picking up groceries, with a neighbor, etc) I will listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to ask meaningful questions and listen for a door to share the love of Christ with someone. I never know if I will play a part in their calling.
2. Be bold in looking different from the rest of the world. If I dress, speak, and act like those who aren’t following Jesus, what does that say about me? Jesus lived in a time when he was “countercultural.” He didn’t care about money or stature. He stood out by standing down. Humility is attractive.
3. Speak up confidently when something seems off. There is a difference between being argumentative and seeking first to understand, then to be understood. I will ask questions when I need clarity and won’t be ashamed that I don’t know everything. I will continue to look out for the best interest of my sisters in the church, as well as my brothers.
4. Sacrifice my wants for others needs. If Jesus gave his life for me, nothing I give up will even come close. As a wife and mother, I live to serve them and I will see every dish, piece of laundry, and dirty floor be an opportunity to put myself last.

Now to be able to stand tall in the shadow of the most costly sacrifice in history, I must be connected to the one who made that sacrifice. My relationship with Jesus is tethered to His Word. All of the ways I want to grow are ways people describe Jesus, so I must be in the Scriptures to better honor him in word and deed. Now, it must be noticed that when sacrifice is involved the cost is high. When standing in the shadow of the cross, you are noticed- but not in ways that the world deems worthy. 

Standing tall is key because we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me.” (Hebrews 13:6). So this upcoming year, I will remind myself that I can “stand tall” because He “stooped down.” Praise God for that.

I can stand tall in His shadow because He stooped down into ours.