Shine.

As I stand on the cusp of a brand new year, my mind is overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. It sounds so cliché, but wasn’t it just yesterday that I was staring at an empty calendar with “2016” scrawled across the top? And before mastering the habit of writing that number, I am turning the page to a new year.

Although New Year’s resolutions aren’t really my thing, I do spend some time evaluating my personal goals and priorities. Each of us has a role and a season that is unique to us, and that role and season will look somewhat different from year to year. That is to be expected. And, as many can attest, life has a way of throwing us the unexpected, as well.

While reflecting back to late 2015, I recall having some specific goals for 2016. There were personal goals (maintain weight loss), spiritual goals (read through the Bible), and family goals (take a vacation to a new location together) to name a few. During a time of meditation, I was impressed to focus on the idea of wisdom – its pursuit (James 1:5), and its practice (Matthew 7:24). I cannot describe how precious the word “wisdom” became to me. 2016 brought some wonderfully warm moments, but it also had its share of hurts, failures, and difficult places. Wisdom provided perspective. Wisdom promoted peace. Wisdom made the difference.

Whether or not we are ready, 2017 is here. It provides a clean slate. A chance to start right where we are and make this our year to shine. Did I meet all of my 2016 goals? No. But that doesn’t mean that I’ll quit trying. Rather than focusing on the shortcomings of the past, I am choosing to move forward and continuing to aspire toward the objectives God has set for me.

As Women of Worth, we are chosen to be the light. We may not have it all together. In fact, few do. But it isn’t in our “togetherness” that we are called to reflect Jesus. He uses our rough edges, our imperfections, our humanity, to manifest His love to those in our sphere of influence. When we find ourselves in a difficult or undesirable place, rather than complain or question, let us ask Him to show us the opportunity He undoubtedly is creating through it. On the other hand, when we find ourselves in the most desirable places, let us not forget that we have a calling. Beautiful circumstances sometimes distract us from the reality of our purpose. Matthew 5:16 reminds us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Maybe you have a detailed list of resolutions and goals, or maybe you prefer to take a less structured approach to the new year. Whatever your method, whatever your season, whatever your role, remember – you are called to shine.