I have made a couple goals for myself. The first is to run a mile. That doesn’t sound like much, but I have been sedentary for too many years. I have terrible allergies and asthma. I have never been coordinated or talented at sports, so choosing this goal is my way of putting that in the past and realizing myself as a strong healthy woman for the future. My second goal is to run a 5K. I have set this goal before but this year I am going to attain it!

My 2019 new years resolution was to stop doubting my value. My 2020 goal is to become strong. I attended a training seminar last week and the speaker talked about having a word for the year. A word that would encapsulate the person you want to be. I’ve given that some thought and my word for 2020 is “STRONG”.

Psalm 28:7, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.”
Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”
Isaiah 40:31, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”

I am putting away the excuses and the procrastination and I am making this year different. In order to achieve the goal, I must first make it a priority. I must make time for training. Too often, especially women, we put ourselves last. Our kids, our husbands, and even our jobs, all come first. This year, I am making my health and my goals a priority. I am putting away the excuses and I am setting the goal in front of me.

Paul talks about winning the race in 1 Corinthians 9:24. Too often, we are floating through our days, one running into the next, with no goal or purpose. Paul is talking about self-discipline and purpose in this passage. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”

This year, I am running to get the prize. The prize where I won’t hide at the back of the group when someone is taking a picture. I won’t cringe when I see a photo of myself with my grandkids. I won’t take the elevator because climbing two flights of stairs leaves me fighting for a breath. This year, I will be strong. I can do all things through him who gives me strength!