2012: Why not let it be a year of promise and possibility?

When was the last time someone told you, "You can't do that!"? Well, I want to ask you this: "Who say's you can't do it?" And, "How do they know anyway?" 

I see no reason why 2012 cannot be a year of promise and possibility for you and me. A year in which each one of us can say, "Wow, I didn't think I could do that. I guess I was wrong. I am so glad I tried!"

I came across an article about former Olympic swimmer, Janet Evans, that really inspired me. (*If you want to read the article, go to: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2011-06-10-janet-evans-comeback_n.htm.)

Evans retired from competitive swimming in 1996 and focused on creating a life outside the pool. In 2011, she felt drawn to return to one of the deepest passions of her life: competitive swimming. Could she make the 2012 US Olympic Swim Team?  Is that a realistic goal given the fact that she turned 40 in August, and, that no one has ever made a come back after having been away for fifteen years? Time will tell if Evans can do it or not. From my perspective it is not whether or not she makes the team. What is cool is that she is trying. And she is trying hard.

What about you? Are you facing any challenges as we head into the New Year? Are there any areas in your life where you are stuck? Is there anything that you have come to believe is "the truth" about you that in reality is a lie that is holding you back? Maybe the doors are locked, but if you give them a kick or two the chain will break or the wood will give way?
I really want to encourage you to test the limitations you and/or others have placed upon you. Our world is surrounded by people doing the impossible. I bet you know some of these people. Maybe you are among their number...or are about to be.

I think God has placed a longing in each of our hearts that wants to believe in the impossible. Even the Scriptures say, "Anything is possible if a person believes." (Mark 9:23.)

Have you ever noticed when you hear of someone overcoming impossible odds that something inside you comes alive? Something inside you says, "I want that to be true in my life!"

Have you ever read a book - fiction or non-fiction - and there was a story about an unlikely hero who ends up saving the day? Why are these books so popular? I think it is because they speak to one of the fundamental longings of our heart...we were created for so much more than just doing what is possible.

The theme of the impossible becoming possible is even found in popular music. Let me give you an example. This year, we encouraged our kids to spend as little as possible on Christmas gifts. They ended up creating gifts that in our estimation are priceless. One of the gifts I received was a music CD with songs especially selected for me. While I have enjoyed listening to my gift, there is one song that has stood out from all the others. It is by the Dave Matthews Band and it is called, "You and Me." I love the way Matthews sings, "You and me together, we could do anything, Baby, you and me together, yes, yes!" (*I will include a YouTube link below, if you would like to see them perform the song. Curiously, it was performed for the first time in Hartford, CT. And yes, the CD gift was from our daughter...who happens to live in Hartford. I am sure it was just a coincidence...)

Plenty of people would tell Janet Evans that it was unrealistic to think she could perform at such a high level again. Curiously, when she was 17, everyone thought it was impossible for anyone to beat the East Germans. Evans won three gold medals in the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. I guess the naysayers were wrong back then...and I am praying they are wrong again!