Readings: Psalm 72; Joshua 1:1-9; Hebrews 11:32-12:2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
As I look back on 2016 one last time, I’m so very aware of the handful of people who had faith in me and in where my path was taking me, even when I’d given up hope that this whole thing was going anyway. When I was weighed down by a life that was tripping me up, my faithful few were whispering, saying, and sometimes yelling encouragement into my life to keep me going.
And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Now I look to the things that I want…and need…to achieve in 2017 and I realize that to honor their commitment to me 
in my time of struggle, I need to have some commitment to myself in the areas that I know are so important. The areas that are so critical that they came through as I plotted out my vision for this year: health, connection, writing, adventure, inspiration, and fun.
In 2017, I commit to joy!
My drummers will beat the drums of Joy. And when I am distracted by too much work, too much fear, too much stagnation, I will tune my ears to the beat of the 12 Drummers Drumming and make my way back to this commitment.
To joy!
And when it all feels like to much I’ll remember this:
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)