No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. ~ Philippians 3:13-14

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. ~ Jesus 
(Matthew 11:29-30)

All my life I’ve wrestled with a Type A personality. Driven to do it all. Driven to do it best. I even drove myself headlong into an anxiety disorder that crippled me for almost a year in my early 20’s. Push, push, push. Until I collapsed. 

With a new year of options ahead, it’s a life of balance I seek. While I press on in the race to eternity, may I daily recheck my yoke. Is it one placed there by Jesus? Or one I’ve climbed under on my own. 

A couple of years ago, I found myself praying, “Lord, make me a Type B.” And here is what He responded ~ Godliness with contentment is great gain. 

Since then, much has changed in my life. A shift of careers from teaching middle-school to writing; a new role as the grandmother of two adorable little girls; a ministry teaching 3rd-5th grade Sunday School; a smaller, easier-to-maintain home; and a chance to do some traveling with hubby in a home on wheels. 

Life’s been full and fun, and contentment’s become a companion I’m finding increasingly friendly and familiar. I’ve found myself reveling in a temperament that’s less driven and more at peace. 

2014 presents many activities. Mom will be needing extra care and attention ~ a precious opportunity to spend time with her. The grandbabies are growing into little people who can now come for sleepovers at Mimi and Grandpa’s. A new women’s Bible study will be meeting in our home. And a fourth novel in my series is emerging. 

May this year be a new adventure in the race to eternity, run with zeal under a yoke designed by and shared with Jesus. A life of balance. 

Dear Lord,
You know how easy it is for me to run into this year without regard for the yoke You’ve called me to bear. How many times I’ve argued for my own yoke rather than Yours, only to find myself disqualified by exhaustion and defeat. Thank You for patiently picking me up and setting me back on course time after time. Whatever the yoke for 2014, help me wear it with gratitude and grace, knowing the One who holds my very breath in His hand is running beside me all the way.