Theme for 2019: Choose What is Better

Hello, dear friends! Even though we’re a few days into 2019, I still want to wish you a happy New Year. In fact, these “extra days” I’ve taken to consider a theme for this year reflect the theme itself.

The Kristen you know is a planner, an organizer, a deadline-driven achiever. The Kristen of 2018 would have made sure she sent out her monthly newsletter on January 1, because that’s what her calendar said she should do.

I think the Kristen of 2019 is going to be different. Especially as I prepare for my wedding, I’m realizing there are just some things I can’t control and some things that need more time. Merging two lives is wonderful, miraculous … but also messy. I’m learning to re-prioritize as I pray and prepare for a godly marriage and home with Christ at the center. I’m hoping for courage to be selfless and sacrificial, which may mean giving up what I want sometimes for what is better.

This is the lesson Martha had to learn the hard way. When she offered to host Jesus in her home, she immediately became task-focused. She lost sight of loving people and listening to Jesus in her obsession with preparing the perfect meal and being hostess of the year. When she saw her sister Mary simply sitting at Jesus’ feet, she “lost it” and in her to-do list tunnel-vision, demanded that Jesus tell Mary to help.

Jesus had to remind her what was better:  

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41 NIV).

Choose what is better. That’s my prayer and theme for 2019. I truly believe I am called to write and continue this ministry, but I have other callings as well: to my fiancé/future husband, to family and friends, to teaching, to my church, to the people and opportunities God places in my life. Oftentimes, I can’t “plan” for what these responsibilities may require. So if the blog doesn’t post on schedule, and the newsletter runs a few days late, I’m going to be okay with that.

May God bless your 2019 with wisdom to choose what is better over what is simply good.

~ Kristen