The Year's Best

I noticed a lot of entertainment web sites and magazines all published their “Best of 2009” lists as well as “Best of the Decade” lists before the year wrapped up. Although those lists don’t mean much to me since they are all different, “best” is so subjective it’s nearly impossible to determine, and a top-10 list rarely has enough room to do justice to the many wonderful movies, books, performances, songs, etc. out there.

But I like lists. I maintain several “best” lists of my own. Lists are essential for packing, planning, goal-setting, and task-accomplishing.

As I thought about my bests of 2009, however, a different thought occurred to me…

What does my list for “Doing My Best” look like for 2010? I jotted some things down.

1. Love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. (Mark 12:30)

2. Love my neighbor as myself. (Mark 12:31)

3. Do unto others as I would want them to do unto me. (Luke 6:31-32)

4. Speak the Truth in Love. (Eph. 4:15)

5. Remember and act on the fact that Love never fails. (I Cor. 13:8)

6. Stop complaining. (Phil. 2:14-15)

7. Trust God is who He says He is. (Heb. 11:6)

8. He who started a work in me will complete it. (Phil. 1:6)

9. Give thanks in all things. (Eph. 5:20)

10. Forgive. Pressed down and shaken together... (Luke 6:37-38)

I know this looks like a New Year’s resolution list. Sure, it’s goal related. Goals are good. But I’d like to think of it more as an encouragement – that no matter what God asks me to do this year, I’ll give it my best. In doing so, maybe 2010 will turn out to be my best ever.

"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31

Happy New Year!

(photos by photobucket.com)