It has been a tradition for Lisa and I to sit and set goals for the new year on New Years Eve. We have done this for years and have most of them saved in a file. But this year is different…
Our Pastor, Steven Furtick at Elevation Church posted a tweet indicating that he and his wife were listing the things they would “leave behind” from the past year. This one tweet has started a series of tweets on the items he is leaving behind which in turn got me thinking about my 2009. 2009 has been a year of great turmoil, disappointment, hurt, excitement and hope…all wrapped up in a 12 month period. So I have decied to not set “resolutions” for 2010, but rather list out the things I plan to leave behind from 2009 (and even further back in some cases)
Ready or not…here is my list:
1. Past relationships: I will leave behind relationships that were for a season or for a reason. Those relationships that no longer serve the future God has in store for me will be left behind as I press forward.
2. My fear of developing new relationships: In many ways I am an introvert and have shied away from developing new relationships with people God has put in my path. I will leave that fear behind in 2010 and beyond.
3. My fear of success: Those who know me well will think I have lost my mind with this statement…but I have dealt with this for years and commit to leave it behind in the future. I will let the Lord define “success” and I will not fear the opportunity to obtain His definition of success.
4. My need to be in control: OK…pick yourselves off the floor from laughter…for those who know me well know that I have struggled with this for most of my life. The reality is that I have NEVER been in control…but rather have had the illusion of control. God is in control…and I turn over my stinkin’ thinkin’ about my control.
5. My fear of reaching others for Christ and/or helping others in discipleship: I have always been involved in church work and in being an active part of worship services…but rarely have I gotten my hands dirty in reaching the lost. I have hidden on the platform or behind a trumpet to “feel” like I was involved in ministry…but was I ever involved in VINE work. I just finished a book entitled “The Trellis and the Vine”…more on it in a future blog…but it is helping to shape my thinking on this topic.
6. My bitterness: This will never serve me or my Lord well. I leave this behind and become free of the bondage this has prisoned me with.
7. My “used to be’s”: I have lived for far too long on how it “used to be” or what I “used to be able to do” or what I “used to accomplish”. Those are in the past and I leave them behind. I will take the experiences, the lessons, the skills, and the appropriate relationships with me into the future, but will leave behind the desire to relive the “used to be’s”.
There you have it…as raw and exposed as I can be. I would covet your support and accountability as I advance into 2010 with the above left at the door or a new year.
What will you leave behind from 2009?
HAPPY NEW YEAR 
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Chris Pernell
Tim- Thank you for sharing this. It is exactly what I needed to read today. Have a wonderful New Year.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Irene Salema
WOW! I have never thought of the New Year in that way and it’s really got me thinking. Thank you so much for sharing such personal and meaningful thoughts about what you are leaving behind. I know God put you in my path for a reason….thank you God! Happy New Year.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Allen Walworth
Well said, Tim! For the race ahead, we would all do well to shed the ankle weights of old thinking, old ideas, and old regrets that hold us back. Thanks for stimulating my thinking in that regard, and reminding me to travel light into 2010 too. Onward!
December 31st, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Bob
Tim, I have some of the same problems. Your list has really got me to thinking about the things I need to leave behind.
But item #2? If the Tim Cool I know is an introvert, I can’t think of anybody I know that is an extrovert!
December 31st, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Paul Holland
Great insights Tim, and certainly a worthy strategy for all of us north of 40.
January 1st, 2010 at 9:29 am
paul norris
excellent thought. leaving behind gets baggage off us and allows us to be more agile going forward. garbage is rarely good except for the landfill owner. cleaning out our unneeded stuff from the attic and garage and drawers is good but doesn’t compare to getting it out of our mind and soul.
This should enable us to dream God sized dreams- that would bring all the glory to Christ- and free us up so we can feet to those dreams.
Press on Tim.
January 4th, 2010 at 11:54 am
Stuart
Great Ideas. I love the idea of setting your goals together and love even more the idea of leaving stuff behind.
2 and 3 I totally understand as they are so me.
> 2. My fear of developing new relationships:
I too consider myself an introvert in this area though those that know me would be very surprised. I have no problem doing my job, standing up and being counted, etc but forming friends is a nightmare. I want every person I meet / interact with to be my best freind but realism says this won’t happen so I’m the one you’ll find in the kitchen at parties.
> 3. My fear of success:
Down the years I’ve been asked many a time why I never went into business for myself. My standard answer was “Because I’m a coward”.
Thanks Tim for helping clarify and put some light into my way forward.
January 17th, 2010 at 9:45 pm