My good friend, Jane posted this picture onto her Facebook page:

She explained that each member of her family came up with a word to describe what they expect the new year to bring (Such a Cool and Powerful idea!).

This got me thinking; what do I expect for the year 2013?

I’ve never really been one to make a resolution. In fact, I can’t even think of one I’ve ever made.  While a woman of resolutions I am not; I am a woman of reflection.  Reflecting back on 2012, I can see clearly that the choice I made to stay home with my family, to cut my family income in half, to leave a fulfilling job seems crazy- stupid really.  If I had seen it on paper, like a multiple choice test, I know I wouldn’t have circled the option that read “Become just a mom.”  Just recently I had to fill out some medical forms and I had to circle “Unemployed.” Really?! Is that what describes me?!

But this isn’t a multiple choice test. This isn’t about the box I check on insurance forms. This is a calling. To be here, where I am at this moment- with the hopes and dreams I have looking ahead.  People may not understand the choice I made, cause it really doesn’t make sense. Just like people may not understand or appreciate what you do and who you are.  But I’m reminded of the words of Mother Teresa, a poem I’ve had posted somewhere in my home since I was a freshman in college.

Do It Anyway

People are often unreasonable,
illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind,
people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful,
you will win some false friends and true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank,
people may cheat you;
Be honest anyway.

What you spend years building,
someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,
they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today,
people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis,
it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

– Mother Teresa

Reflecting on her poem, I think I know my Words for my 2013:

Reward – Blessings – Opportunity – Family – Baby Girl – Security – Appreciation

I’ve decided that my worth isn’t in which box i check. My worth isn’t in what I DO. It’s not in how much money I make, or how well my kids behave, or even how pretty I keep my house or my hair (which isn’t exactly ‘pretty!”). I am not defined by what other people may think. God made me ME. He made me for my FAMILY- my FRIENDS – and even others I may not know personally.  He gave me dreams and goals, and I’m going to do my best in 2013 to achieve them, regardless of how crazy or stupid they may seem.  But mostly, I will appreciate who I am NOW and the season of life I currently live.  I will DO IT ANYWAY.

And I pray the same for you. “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6