How to make the Decade Worth Everything and Go all in

how to make the decade Worth Everything and Go all in

We are ONE MONTH into this new year and new decade and I am already overwhelmed! I think January should have a do-over actually! Or Now that I am ready for a new year, I’m going to officially start today!

Seriously, I feel as if I needed an extra month to get my head around this whole new year, fresh start, new beginning, starting over thing. I had a week of vacation to do all the thinking, and it was a wonderful and beautiful way to start the year with rest, but man, did we hit the ground running as soon as we walked in our front door. People are moving and hustling by and I am desperate for a moment of stillness and quiet. And now we are in February! Wow!

Even though we are a month into the Roaring 20’s, I’m still contemplating this next decade, even a month in. I’m being intentional with my time, my words and yes, even with what I put in my mouth!

While we were on vacation at the new year, I had some time to sit and think and pray. It was a gift. A gift I wish I could open more often, but one I treasure when I do get the moments of quiet.

I have taken some time to think about the last 10 years and to dream and seek vision for the next decade. What shall those years bring?

Ten years can hold so much. A decade, is like a deck of cards, each day you turn the card and you have no idea what hand will be played, but you keep playing and you keep turning. So many days stand in front of us, so many season, so many changes and challenges, so many joys and perhaps, many sorrows.

I turn to my children, declaring the new decade and ask, “Where will you be in 10 years? What do you want to accomplish.” My son, the determined and dedicated one says, “I’ll be finished with college and I’d like to be working with dad.” My daughter, the one who dances to the beat of her own drum replies, “I want to travel and go to Paris and London and Rome.” The baby asks, “How old will I be mama?” “18 years old, sweet girl.”

It hits me, like a blackjack dealer turning a bust card; in 10 years my little birds will have spread their wings and my nest will be rather empty.

10 years ago I was a mom of 2, both under 4 and soon to be pregnant with one more. 10 years ago I was learning how to mother; I was growing up and growing babies.

Within 10 years I went from growing babies to raising children who are now on the cusp of teen-hood.

10 years ago I began my journey though anxiety and depression which I thought would last a lifetime, yet the Lord graciously intervened and the house won that hand.

Within 10 years I went from being passionless to purpose filled, from loneliness to life abundant.

So much has change in 10 years. So many seasons, so many changes and challenges, so many joys and yes, some sorrows. So much growing up.

The next 10 will be the some of the same, but also very different.

I don’t want to be stuck in the same ways I was stuck these ten years.

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“This next year will have goals and desires, but I need vision for 10 years before all the cards are dealt. ”

There are changes that must be made.

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I need vision, because without vision we perish. This next year will have goals and desires, but I need vision for 10 years before all the cards are dealt. Vision for my marriage, my children, my health, my faith. I am moving toward a beautiful dream and picture.

Vision Guide for the Decade

In 10 years I see myself as gentler, more loving and encouraging. One who daily disciples and has good routines and habits set into place. I don’t want to have the same faith as today, but to be faithful even more so.

In 10 years I see our marriage stronger than ever, with the same love and affection and excitement. I see us dreaming more; enjoying each other still; hand in hand taking in whatever challenges come our way together. I see us praying together more. Serving more.

In 10 years I see my children having strong faith. A faith I can trust. I see them living our their passions and callings and coming home to find rest from the world. I see us holding on to traditions and continually making new ones. I see excitement in moving towards the future.

In 10 years I see that I am comfortable in my skin. Caring for my temple daily. No longer stuck in the pattern of weight gain and weight loss, but finding health and stride. I see myself taking walks and finding communion in this journey towards health, finding the perfect communion of bread and wine and enjoying the bounty of the Lord and the harvest.

In 10 years I see my callings polished. Continually being used and excited about whatever comes next. I see myself teaching and discipling, writing and speaking. I see myself continuing to take risks of faith and doing all the things scared, because he is worth it. Continually asking myself, “If I knew I couldn’t fail, what would I do, what would I try, what would I risk?” I have found that in these last 10 years everything is worth the risk for the gospel and the things of the earth are futile and worthless.

I don’t want to simply think about what brings me happiness, but contemplate on where I have found Joy. Where have I found grace? How have I given both joy and grace away? Will I have served God everyday, faithful to Him always in every season, every change and challenge, every joy and sorrow?

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“I don’t want to simply think about what brings me happiness, but contemplate on where I have found Joy. ”

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In 10 years I hope to be able to say Yes to all these things with confidence and Peace and Joy.

Yes Lord, may the same prayer I prayed so many years ago still abide in my heart in 10 more; Yes Lord, Here I am, send me.

I dare you to say it with me. Make this decade worth everything and go all in.