Last week, we reflected on goodbyes and hellos. It can be so good for our souls to reflect on what we’ve said goodbye to and to anticipate how we can welcome in and say hello to the new, new thoughts or new hope. To be intentional, we pursue something with purpose. Our Creator designed us with great purpose. To become the best you this year, how are you being intentional?

Goals are a hot topic at the start of a new year. Many of us may even carry one word with us throughout the year. I like goals, but I also know that I don’t always follow through on every goal I set. I pondered on his word “goal,” which can bring different meanings for all of us, maybe excitement and anticipation. Or perhaps it feels like too much pressure. I felt that pressure before deciding to change it from goal to intention. Same meaning but somehow creates a mindset of more hope and anticipation for me.

Whatever your heart’s desire is this year, the most important thing is to hold onto that which Jesus holds on for you. It’s not about reaching perfection or having everything all together. Even the Apostle Paul reminds us that even he didn’t achieve everything.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Phillipians 3:12

It’s not about rushing to achieve it all. Instead, it’s about pressing on toward whatever Jesus has for you. It may be as simple as taking a break from social media or more complex, like planning the next steps that will move you forward in a big decision. Jesus will be with you throughout the journey as you press on to take hold of your intentions.

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do; Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Phillipians 3:13-14

As I have reflected on the goodbyes, and letting go, along with the welcomes and hellos of this past year, I want to be intentional about being aware of what this new year holds. I love that we never have to stay the same. We can go with the flow, whatever it looks like, as we take hold of what Jesus has for us.

What do you need to press on toward this year? Or narrow it down; what do you need to press on toward today or this month?

Something I like to do in my journal every month is to write out my intentions for the next few weeks. I desire to move forward in my intentions, and I have learned it helps me if it’s recorded in my journal. Even if it’s a tiny step toward that intention, I am still moving forward. As you reflect on what you want to press on toward this year, I’ll share my own with you.

I intend to stay reflective, embrace the quiet, honor my health, and make space. All of these expand to many things I will press on toward.

I think it helps us to write it out sometimes and go back in a couple of weeks to reflect on our progress. And we have to remember that it’s not about checking it off a list, marked as “complete.” Rather, it’s about making sure that we’re moving forward and holding onto what Jesus holds on for us.

May we press on toward our heart’s intentions this year. As we press on, we will flow and move forward toward what’s the very best for us. How will you be intentional in your intentions this year?