Welcome 2022!
Flying objects abound in our home: tennis balls, stuffed animals with squeakers, ice cubes, and even toys that look like fish, reindeer, sheep, and birds. Grace, our energetic almost four-month old GSP, loves games like fetch. Gary and I hurl different objects around the apartment, and Grace sprightly runs to snatch them and brings them back to do it again and again.
Trajectory – the path followed by a projectile flying or an object moving under the action of given forces.
Have you ever played darts, corn hole, a sporting game like baseball, or squirted a water gun?
Each of these activities, along with playing with Grace, involve objects moving with an intentional force behind them. Each throw takes a particular trajectory. A dart aims at the center of the bullseye. Bean bags toss into the center of a corn hole game. Pitchers pitch a baseball fly through the air at the strike zone. Water in a squirt gun focuses on a fun target – likely a friend. We throw tennis balls and toy objects across the room hoping to exhaust our lively puppy. All contain a flight pattern, an orbit, a line of movement; a trajectory.
Have you considered your trajectory for 2022? How would you like to “fly” through this year? Where are you headed in the care of your heart, mind, spirit, and body? In what ways will your trajectory lead to transformation in Jesus Christ?
The example of living with intention surfaces often through Scripture. Abraham set out for the land of Canaan (Genesis 12). Joseph moved forward with the purpose of experiencing his brother’s authentic repentance (Genesis 50). While surrounded by a multitude, Jehoshaphat set his gaze upon God ( 2 Chronicles 20). Deborah led with planned purpose to prophesy over and protect Israel (Judges 4-5). Ruth aimed to live faithfully with her mother-in law (Ruth).
Jesus lived with a trajectory as well. Luke 9:51 speaks of our Savior’s focus: “Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” Jesus both began and completed the work of salvation for all of humanity, living with intention and focus (Hebrews 12:2). Many followed Jesus determined that living obediently to him would be their focus and plan. The orbit of Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Joanna moved forward in the path of supporting and encouraging Jesus’s work (Luke 8). Peter, James, and John targeted the creation of a strong foundation for followers of Jesus Christ (Matthew 17). Dorcas pointed her life in the path of sacrifice and service to the needy and overlooked (Acts 9). We learn to live with a trajectory toward the ways of God by looking at characters from the Bible.
Trajectory – the path followed by a projectile flying or an object moving under the action of given forces.
Entering the new year provides opportunities to pivot our trajectory. The shift toward growth may be minor, yet the smallest adjustment results in a big difference in the end. For some this might look like choosing a word that focuses and leads the path forward for the year. Others value creating new habits and practices. Some people set up fresh accountability and relationships for wholeness and growth. With the help of the Spirit of the Living God, we take part in setting the trajectory for our lives, moment by moment, year by year.
In what ways do you plan to live with intention in 2022?
As an aid for myself, the Holy Spirit helped me consider five questions which influence my route for 2022. Perhaps these questions can encourage and empower you in your intention to live faithful and purposeful for the next year.
1 – What am I doing to tend to my soul (body, heart, mind)?
2 – Who am I becoming in this moment?
3 – How do I experience God in this space?
4 – In what ways am I submitting of the will of the Father?
5 – What action am I taking to live a different trajectory in 2022?
Already, I find that asking these questions throughout each day centers my soul upon God and positions me to live resolutely with the Lover of my soul with a fresh direction. Just as focused trajectory of a tennis ball results in our puppy Grace burning extra energy chasing it around the apartment, earnest desires and deliberate activity with our attitudes and actions puts us on a new trajectory toward healing and transformation in Jesus Christ.
Spend a few moments being quiet with God. Inquire of Him, ask what His trajectory might be for you in 2022. Notice the desires that stir within your soul. Savor the space with the God of the universe to surface the ways your life can move forward under the guidance of the Lord.
Enjoy God moving you with Him in certain and Christ-like formation through 2022.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Psalm 63:1 – You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you.
Psalm 145:1-2 – I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Lysa Terkeurst. Seeing Beautiful Again: 50 Devotions to Find Redemption in Every Part of Your Story. Nashville, NS. 20121.
Rick Warren. The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Grand Rapids, MI 2013.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Rich Mullins. Step by Step.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-b7TQMoZsM
Elevation Worship. There is A King. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zw_glNmfEQ