A Resolution

Here it is, a new year.  The year 2011 has arrived, and just like that, twenty four days have gone by. In most ways, nothing much has changed. I'm still working, still living, and still trying to figure out what's to come... But I have made a decision to better myself this year.

Yep, I made a resolution. There, I said it. A resolution. I hate making resolutions. Probably because I always break them. But so far, I've been sticking to this one. Like millions of other people, I've made the decision to get into shape. I've committed to working out three days a week, and so far, so good. I actually made the decision to do so in early Dec, but I wanted to be realistic, and not try to set myself up for failure through the holidays. So right before we rang in the new year, I went and visited the local gym. And tell you what, I've been doing pretty well. I've realized that the hardest part of the workout is getting out of bed. But once I'm up, I'm on my way.

To help break the boredom barrier I often encounter with working out, I've downloaded a couple iPhone apps to help introduce some new exercises. It's been nice to break the cycle of the same 5 things all the time, and helped to keep me motivated. My hope is that I'll be able to start seeing some tangible results soon.

The thing is, I'm not just trying to get physically fit, but spiritually as well. Let me provide some background info.

In the past few days, I made the decisions to go and see my final continent. Yes, Africa is on my radar, and it looks like I'll be traveling there this June. It'll be a mixed purpose trip for me... the first few days I will be on safari in Tanzania, and then soaking in the sun on the beaches of Zanzibar. But the majority of my time in Africa will be spent working at a new Young Life camp in Zanzibar. Details are still scarce right now, so I don't know much right now.

Here's where my resolution comes in -- If you were to tell me I was leaving tomorrow, I wouldn't be ready. And I'm not talking about logistics. I don't think I'm spiritually prepared for the trip. In many ways, I'm out of "shape" for a trip like this. It's been years since I did a mission trip, and even longer working with Young Life. I'm not nervous per se -- rather, I just don't feel like I've prayed enough, studied enough, or known enough  for the missional aspect of the trip. So, I'm trying to start getting spiritually "in shape" for the work that we'll be doing in Zanzibar.

Don't get me wrong. I know regardless of whether I'm ready, the experience will be amazing. The people will be fantastic, the culture and the locale exciting, and that God's love will be in abundance. I have no doubt of any of that. I just want to make sure that I can be as prepared as I can be.

So here's to the hope that I will stay strong and continue my resolution through the year... Feel free to keep me accountable to it!