Hello Friends,
2021 is in the books. We have come to the end of another year and our prayer is your marriage is stronger than ever in 2022. This has been a wild year as the world is adapting to the changes that have taken place. The strain and stresses have been rough for us all and marriages have definitely taken some serious blows.
That’s why here at A Beautiful Adventure, we want to be intentional about how we end this year and go into the next year. We don’t want January 1st to be just another day of the “same ole, same ole”. We want it to be a fresh start and a new beginning, not only for the marriages in crisis, but for all marriages.
Every marriage needs to be invested in if it is going to grow. So whether you find yourself unhappy in your relationship or thriving, this blog can be a benefit for you in the New Year.
Forget Resolutions
With the New Year comes new resolutions. Everyone has great intentions of making changes in their life with the changing of the year. However, the problem is very few resolutions actually happen. Typically by February 1st people have forgotten that they even made resolutions much less working to achieve them.
I, Tara, do not believe in making resolutions because like others I have made too many and then never followed through. I do, however, believe in growth and betterment. Below you will find two things you can do going into this New Year that will first change your perspective of 2021 and then set your eyes on the prize of 2022.
Share Your Gratitude
We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
When you reach the end of a year, you start hearing or saying things like, “I can’t wait for this year to be over” or “The next year has to be better.” I understand because I have been there, but we can’t focus on the bad and forget all the good.
Before we look ahead into 2022, let’s pause for a moment and look back at this year. God is good, and although there has been a lot happening this year, He is still the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He is still loving and blessing the ones that are called according to His purpose.
Sometime in the next 3 days, sit down with your spouse and talk about all the good things that have happened in 2021.
- What did God do for you and your marriage?
- In what areas did you and your spouse grow?
- What positive changes happened in your marriage this year?
- What were your favorite moments, experiences, or memories?
This will only take a moment of your time but it can totally change your perspective going into the New Year. You go from “I can’t wait for this year to be over.” to “Thank you, Lord, for all You have done.”
From a stance of gratitude, you are ready for the second step.
Goals
Then the Lord answered me and said, “Write the vision and engrave it plainly on [clay] tablets. So that the one who reads it will run. Habakkuk 2:2
Now that you see the good of 2021, let’s set some goals to make 2022 even better. You know where you stand, now it is time to set your focus on where you want to go. There are a few ways to set yourself up for success when it comes to goals.
Make the goals measureable
If your goals are not measurable, you will never know if you accomplished them or not. Be specific with what you want to accomplish and when you want to have them accomplished.
Set short term and long term goals
Set small goals that can be accomplished quickly for momentum, but also set long-term goals that will take time and effort to achieve. The short-term goals will keep you fueled for the ones that will take the most time.
Celebrate when a goal is accomplished
When you have accomplished one of your goals celebrate the win. This will not only keep you focused on achieving all your goals, but will also keep you in a gratitude mindset. This is also a great way to spend extra time with your spouse. Celebrate the wins together whether the goal was a couple or an individual goal.
A New Years Blessing from the Paynes!
We believe 2022 is going to be the best year yet. God is going to do more than you can ever expect or imagine. We are praying for you and your marriage. We could think of no better way to send you into the New Year than to speak a blessing over you straight from the Word of God.
The Lord bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you];
The Lord make His face shine upon you [with favor],
And be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness];
The Lord lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval],
And give you peace [a tranquil heart and life].’
Numbers 6:2-26
Are you going into 2022 feeling a little defeated? Check out our blog “Hope for the New Year“.