Last Updated on February 4, 2021

As I worked to clean the kitchen, I caught a glimpse of a poster my eldest received at a special Girl Scout event a few weeks ago. For the 100th year celebration of Girl Scouts, Cowboy Stadium had hosted a big event, at which the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders were present and signed autographs. So, in our home we have this…lovely picture filled with dozens of young, fit, perky, beautiful, scantily clad women. I hate it.

Perhaps hate is too strong a word. Maybe I should say: I dislike it and have a frequent temptation to rip it into pieces.

As I stared at it, my mind went to the upcoming holidays and the busyness they would entail, which means less work out time. Then I thought, well perhaps that is a great New Year’s resolution—to look more like that.

Fortunately, that is when sense took over. What? Why? Why do I need to look like that to think I am acceptable? It’s ridiculous. Looking superbly fit is part of their job requirement, and any job that requires me to dress like that is not one I would want. Furthermore, I believe I was falling into a trap of coveting—desiring what others have.

I took a breath and prayed for some better thinking. Weight issues are so often part of New Year’s resolutions. We live in a world obsessed with the external. But God looks at our hearts. So, instead of worrying out my waist size, how about working on the amount of waste in my heart.

I decided contentment would be a better resolution for me. Taking time to pray and thank God for all His blessings.

Have a happy and content New Year, my friends!

Jennifer Dyer has an M.S. in Communications Disorders, which served her well in her professional career as a speech-language pathologist. Never did she imagine that her education and career were God’s way of preparing her to be a mom to her own daughter with autism. Today, she enjoys reaching out to other families who face similar diagnoses. As a cancer survivor, carpet-cleaning veteran, and originator of the “Messy House Ministry,” Jennifer feels blessed to share joy, peace, and humor with others facing life’s challenges. She is mom to two beautiful daughters and is thankful to be raising them, serving other families with unique needs, and using her gift of writing and speaking to minister to others. Jennifer is also the author of a youth fiction book series and is trusting God with His timing on publication. Jennifer has been a mom for 11 years. She and Brandon have been married for 13 years.

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One Comment

  1. Looking for the lady that was talking about the strong willed child on friday 12/30/11 between 0800 and 0900. Didn't get her name but was interested in maybe her book, if she has one.

    Reply